UNLV will not be joining the Pac-12 after overtures, accepting millions of dollars to stay in the Mountain West.
According to multiple reports, Air Force is also staying with the Mountain West, keeping the conference alive after five teams left for the Pac-12.
The big picture: UNLV and Air Force will receive between $25 and $30 million each to remain in the Mountain West, according to a report from Action Network.
- That’s around five times what they each make in the Mountain West’s current media rights deal.
- The Mountain West will be able to pay out the bonuses with the $85 million it is set to receive in exit fees from the five departing schools.
The backstory: Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State and San Diego State accepted invitations to join the Pac-12 earlier this month.
- Utah State joined the fold on Monday.
- UNLV had reportedly been in talks with the Pac-12 before accepting the bonus to stay with the Mountain West, while Air Force had reportedly been in talks with the American Athletic Conference.
State of play: The Mountain West may also have another $55 million to offer its members or to recruit other universities.
- The conference is owed that total by the Pac-12 for poaching fees, as written in the contract for the scheduling agreement Oregon State and Washington State assigned for the 2024 football season.
- But the Pac-12 has sued the Mountain West, arguing the poaching fees are illegal.
What we’re watching: Both the Pac-12 and Mountain West need to get to eight member universities by 2026 to comply with NCAA rules.
- Both conferences currently have seven schools each.
