By Jeff Bugher
7/13/2024
LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Mountain West Conference Commissioner Gloria Nevarez was PokesNews.com during MWC Football Media Days in Las Vegas. Nevarez addressed speculation about a potential merger with the two remaining Pac-12 schools, "Pac-2," Nevarez clarified that while there's a current scheduling agreement in place aimed at enhancing competitive strength, formal merger talks have not been on the table. Emphasizing stability amidst the dynamic landscape of conference realignment, Nevarez highlighted the Mountain West's preparedness with protective measures and strategic partnerships, including a new television deal with TNT.
Pac-12 Deal?
Could the two remaining members of the Pac-12 ("Pac-2") join forces with the MWC? Nevarez clarified: "We have a one-year scheduling agreement, which we are really excited about because it pumps up our strength of schedule. Certainly, there's mutual interest in exploring another year, but with all the change in the environment, honestly, we're really happy with where we're at." Gloria continued to talk about the current state of the conference's stability and prospects, stating, "We're at a good number, we have a tremendous outlook on our football season. I think we're going to be one of those top-five conferences for expanded playoffs. So, you know, if nothing else changes, I feel we're in a really good spot. But…we are open to anything that makes us stronger." Nevarez stated that there haven’t been any merger discussions with the Pac-12.
Conference Realignment
What would happen if a current member institution decided to leave for another conference? Nevarez responded honestly, acknowledging the ever-changing nature of college athletics today. "In this new environment, there's always talk. When I first took the job, there was talk of that, and I've always told our schools that I will not mount a campaign to keep a school from doing what they think is best for them. That is their responsibility and their obligation," Nevarez stated.
If a member institution were to jump ship to another conference, Nevarez pointed out that the conference has protective measures in place, such as bylaws and scheduling agreements, to mitigate any potential disruptions. "We have resources to either “rightsize” any negative impacts, media rights, or to backfill institutions," she assured. Nevarez highlighted the conference's resilience and current alignment among member schools. "We've survived, we will continue to survive…and right now, I think our schools are aligned. This could change tomorrow, next week, next month, but we have a really good thing going."
She also mentioned recent successes that strengthen the conference's brand, including a new television partnership. "We have a great television deal, just announced a new partnership with TNT. We have an amazing outlook as far as competitive ability. We’re a good standing member in the CFP," Nevarez concluded.
NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness): The New Wild West
The current state of "NIL Wild West" has many people up in arms. Would Nevarez support the idea of a governing body to oversee NIL activities through institutions? Nevarez stated, "Yeah, I'm very much in support of having institutions more involved, period. More involved with NIL, and I think that's important. I think our institutions bring a level of infusing our mission and values in that, as well as protection for student-athletes."
Nevarez also expressed her desire to see a shift away from the current pay-for-play model, stating, "I really want to see us get away from pay-for-play right now, and I also think this is thinly veiled pay-for-play. I think that oversight agency is part of it—that is built into the house settlement. How that's executed, who owns and controls it, I don't know, but I am very much in favor of having some type of entity that brings us back from pay-for-play. Not only for roster building and roster management but student-athlete protection." She highlighted the risks athletes face, such as signing away their rights indefinitely or relying on unenforced deals, with Nevarez concluding herself that the current situation is indeed the "wild wild west."
Bowl Games
Nevarez also addressed the evolving landscape of bowl games, noting, "The bowl space is constantly evolving; we have two more years on the current configuration." She emphasized the stability of the current bowl inventory while highlighting the conference's proactive approach: "That's not changing; it's just their conference, but we’re always looking for opportunities."
Could the Mountain West Conference be expanding…Maybe a team like North Dakota State?
Could we see the Mountain West Conference expand in the future? Nevarez stated, "I've said this from the beginning because our membership's always a question, we are always going to be open to opportunities that make us stronger." She emphasized the dynamic nature of their expansion strategy which is based on reactionary circumstances, "that analysis changes year to year, school to school." Nevarez pointed out the variability in membership needs, noting, "There's some years you might be grabbing more bodies just to make sure you have numbers," while also recognizing, "There are some years where we're good at numbers like we're really good where we and we're really strong."
Expanded Playoff Access: Equity
What about equity for conferences like the Mountain West, where a shot at the College Football Playoffs (CFP) seemed out of reach in the past? Nevarez responded, "Equity of access, the new expanded playoff has access for all FBS teams but top five conference champions period, from the universe of nine FBS leagues get an automatic qualifier into that playoff and then the seven remaining teams are selected at large." She gave a lot of credit to the advocacy of conference leadership, stating, "As long as we have opportunity and access, which is what our league has been out in front, Craig Thompson specifically advocating for, then we can play, we have something to play for. It makes our championship relevant, it makes our regular season important." Nevarez also pointed out the scheduling by Mountain West coaches, noting, "If you look at our non-conference schedules this year, our coaches are swinging for the fences."
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