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Mountain West shares ‘realignment update’ stating 7 current members committed for 2026
By Andrew Olson
Published:
The Mountain West says 7 of its current members committed for 2026 and beyond.
Conference commissioner Gloria Nevarez released a statement to address “a good deal of speculation” about the conference’s future amid the realignment landscape.
A good deal of speculation has recently been offered by various media outlets regarding the current and future status of the Mountain West, and other collegiate athletic conferences. While I cannot and will not comment on other leagues, I can share some facts about the Mountain West. First, the seven member institutions who are the foundation of the Mountain West have fully committed to the future of the Conference. Each member has cemented that commitment by executing a Grant of Rights Agreement, effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2032.
The speculation surrounds the uncertain FBS futures of the Pac-12 and the Mountain West.
After the Pac-12 saw 10 members in 2024, it was given a 2-year grace period to continue as an FBS conference despite not having 8 members, the minimum for FBS status. In September, the Pac-12 made 3 expansion moves. It added 5 members of the Mountain West to get to 7 football members. Gonzaga also joined the conference, but it does not have a football program.
While there have been plenty of rumors about the Pac-12 poaching another Mountain West member, the Mountain West appears confident that all 7 members committed for 2026 are on board into 2032.
The Mountain West is also adding UTEP as an 8th member. That FBS status, though, would be in jeopardy if the Pac-12 poached another member.
Oregon State, Washington, Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State and Utah State are on board with the Pac-12 for 2026. The Mountain West has commitments from UNLV, Nevada, New Mexico, San Jose State, Wyoming, Air Force and Hawaii.
Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez Membership Realignment Update. pic.twitter.com/rVLonVjRRZ
— Mountain West (@MountainWest) January 29, 2025
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
