The Mountain West Conference has successfully convinced UNLV and Air Force to remain in the league despite both teams being deep in conversations to jump ship to other leagues, sources told CBS Sports late Wednesday night. UNLV was considering an exit for the Pac-12, while Air Force was fielding interest from the American.
After negotiations, the MWC is expected to pay at least $25 million in bonus money to each school to remain in the conference, a person familiar with the decision told CBS Sports. The bonuses are expected to be primarily funded by exit fees that Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State and Utah State will pay the conference for breaking their grant of rights agreements to join the Pac-12 in 2026. The MWC is due upwards of $17 million from each of the five departing schools.
With UNLV and Air Force committing to stay in the MWC beyond 2026, the conference has staved off further poaching with six full members and seven football members. Eight members are required for a conference to be recognized by the NCAA, an important designation to remain eligible for one of five automatic berths in the College Football Playoff’s 12-team field. The Pac-12 stands at seven members following its latest additions.
The AAC on Monday received commitments from Memphis, South Florida, Tulane and UTSA to remain within the conference after flirtations with the Pac-12.
What’s next might be most be the most interesting development as the Pac-12 turns to a third plan to lure at least one more school into the conference. Sources told CBS Sports earlier in the process that Pac-12 leadership desired at least nine football members and 10 basketball members.
The MWC has been attempting to get Its members to sign a grant of rights agreement to lock the schools in for another five years despite not yet having a new TV contract beyond its current deal, which expires In 2026, sources…
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