LARAMIE, Wyo. (Sept. 26, 2024) - In a demonstration of shared commitment and unity, the Mountain West announced today that the University of Wyoming and six other member institutions have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to remain in the league. The Conference and the institutions have also formally agreed to execute a Grant of Media Rights from the member institutions to the Conference from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2032.
"Our immediate priority was solidifying the membership of the Mountain West. Now our focus turns to our collective future on behalf of our student-athletes," said MW Commissioner Gloria Nevarez. "The agreements announced today mark a historic moment for the Mountain West and provide much-needed stability and clarity as the world of intercollegiate athletics continues to evolve rapidly. We are excited about our future and are executing our next steps in expanding the Mountain West. We will continue to prioritize the student-athlete experience and do all we can to support our institutions as they compete at the highest levels of intercollegiate athletics."
The United States Air Force Academy, University of Hawaiʻi, Manoa, University of Nevada, Reno, University of New Mexico, San José State University, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the University of Wyoming all are a part of the new agreement with the Mountain West.
The Mountain West will provide distribution payments to the remaining member schools in accordance with the bylaws of the Mountain West utilizing the following formulas: Air Force and UNLV will receive 24.5%, Nevada, New Mexico, San José State and Wyoming 15.83%, and Hawaiʻi 5%.
"I commend the members of the Mountain West Conference and Commissioner Nevarez for their commitment to ensuring a competitive future for our league and for their dedication to our student-athletes, their success, and overall experience," said Mountain West Board Chair and UNLV President, Dr. Keith E. Whitfield.
Statement from University of Wyoming Director of Athletics Tom Burman
"I feel very good about where we landed in these fluid times related to conference realignment," Wyoming Director of Athletics Tom Burman said. "The Mountain West Conference will move forward to be at the NCAA requirement of eight full members. We will work with Mountain West leadership to actively add new members, but at this time we cannot comment on the matter of specific institutions for expansion."
"As one of the founding members of the Mountain West Conference, both the league and the University of Wyoming put great emphasis on the experience for our student-athletes. We are excited to continue our work and relationship into the future."
University of Wyoming Director of Athletics Tom Burman will have media availability in the coming days. The University of Wyoming Athletics Media and Public Relations office will let the media know exact date and time.
*UW Press Release
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