COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — On Wednesday, Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez reaffirmed the conference’s determination to maintain its viability as five of its member institutions prepare to transition to a revamped Pac-12 next year.
Nevarez addressed the recent speculation surrounding the status of the Mountain West and other collegiate athletic conferences, stating, “While I cannot and will not comment on other leagues, I can share some facts about the Mountain West.”
A total of seven member schools—Air Force, Nevada, New Mexico, San Jose State, UNLV, Wyoming, and Hawaii—have signed a grant of rights agreement. This arrangement binds the schools to the conference through television broadcasting rights from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2032.
Nevarez highlighted that these schools are actively implementing a long-term membership strategy that will help stabilize the Mountain West through June 30, 2026, and beyond. Additionally, they are working on a fresh media rights deal set to commence on July 1, 2026.
In an important development, Hawaii will join the Mountain West as a full member across all sports starting in the 2026-27 academic year, transitioning from its previous status as a football-only member. The 2026 season will also see UTEP enter as a full member and Northern Illinois as a football-only participant. Moreover, UC Davis and Grand Canyon are slated to join in certain sports during the same year.
With Hawaii’s newfound full membership and UTEP’s addition, the Mountain West will expand to eight full members for 2026-27. This expansion meets the NCAA’s minimum requirement for maintaining status as a Football Bowl Subdivision conference, ensuring eligibility for the College Football Playoff.
Since Boise State, Fresno State, San Diego State, Colorado State, and Utah State announced their departures to the Pac-12 amid a wave of conference realignment last summer, the Mountain West has been focused on rebuilding.
Nevarez expressed confidence in the conference’s legal standing, especially in light of a federal lawsuit filed by the Pac-12 in September. The lawsuit seeks court recognition that the Mountain West’s claim for a $55 million payment for the loss of five schools constitutes an antitrust violation. In response, the Mountain West has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, with a hearing slated for March in San Francisco.
