The Mountain West Conference appears to have staved off a full-on exodus with a new agreement among its seven member schools.
In a joint statement issued Thursday, the six remaining full members of the Mountain West, along with football-only member Hawaii, announced their commitment to the conference amid continued rumored interest from the Pac-12. The six schools — Air Force, Nevada, UNLV, New Mexico, San Jose State, and Wyoming — said they were offering a “demonstration of shared commitment and unity” by signing a memorandum committing themselves to remaining in the league going forward.
— Mountain West (@MountainWest) September 26, 2024
In a separate statement, the Mountain West said it would be executing a new media rights grant starting in 2026, with new shares allotted to each of the member schools.
Mountain West announces membership agreements from the seven schools and the distribution formula for signing bonuses (from P12 exit fees): Air Force/UNLV to get 24.5%; Nevada, New Mexico, San Jose State and Wyoming 15.8% & Hawaii (partial member) 5%. pic.twitter.com/2COvFPOWMJ
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) September 26, 2024
Concerns for the future of the Mountain West had grown in recent weeks after a new wave of Pac-12 expansion resulted in four members defecting. A fifth, Utah State, decided to follow on Monday, sparking worries of a new wave of defections. This agreement should eliminate that risk.
The Mountain West will still need an eighth member for this to be all that meaningful. Having seven locked in, at least for the moment, should at least stabilize the situation.
