The Mountain West’s Pursuit of Texas State: A New Chapter in Conference Realignment
The landscape of college athletics is ever-evolving, and the latest developments in conference realignment have brought Texas State University into the spotlight. Recent reports indicate that the Mountain West Conference (MWC) has been actively pursuing the Bobcats, but the situation has taken a surprising turn. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, discussions have "stalled," and Texas State has officially informed the Sun Belt Conference of its intention to remain with them.
A Verbal Offer and Its Implications
Just last week, Texas State officials received a verbal offer from the Mountain West, a move that signaled the league’s interest in expanding its membership amid ongoing shifts in collegiate athletics. The MWC is currently navigating a complex landscape following the departures of several schools, and Texas State was seen as a potential fit to bolster its ranks. However, the Bobcats’ decision to stay put has raised questions about the MWC’s future direction and strategy.
The timing of this announcement is particularly noteworthy. As the MWC seeks to solidify its position, the Pac-12 has also shown interest in Texas State, further complicating the narrative. With both conferences vying for the Bobcats, the stakes have never been higher, and the implications of their decisions will resonate throughout the collegiate sports community.
The Pac-12’s Expanding Membership
In a related development, the Pac-12 recently made headlines with the announcement that Gonzaga will join the conference in July 2026. This move has been anticipated for some time, as the Bulldogs have long been rumored to leave the West Coast Conference. The addition of Gonzaga brings the Pac-12’s membership to eight, but the conference still requires one more full member with a football program to meet the NCAA’s requirements for Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) status.
As the Pac-12 continues to reshape its identity, the potential addition of Texas State remains a tantalizing prospect. The Bobcats’ decision to remain in the Sun Belt may have temporarily halted discussions, but the Pac-12’s interest underscores the ongoing competition for membership and the importance of strategic positioning in the world of college athletics.
The Mountain West’s Challenges Ahead
With the recent breakdown in talks with Texas State, the Mountain West finds itself at a crossroads. The conference has until 2028 to stabilize its membership following the departures of key institutions. Schools like Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Utah State have all announced plans to leave for the Pac-12, leaving the MWC in a precarious position.
In light of these challenges, the Mountain West is exploring other options to fill its ranks. Reports suggest that the conference is considering adding Northern Illinois and Toledo as football-only members. This strategy could help the MWC maintain a competitive edge while navigating the complexities of conference realignment.
Financial Implications and Distribution
The financial landscape of college athletics is also shifting as conferences adjust to new membership structures. UNLV and Air Force are viewed as prime targets for the Pac-12, and their potential departure would significantly impact the Mountain West’s financial distribution. Current MWC members are set to receive varying percentages of distribution based on their status, with UNLV and Air Force slated to receive 24.5%, while other schools like Nevada, New Mexico, and San Jose State will receive 11.5%.
This financial dynamic adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing negotiations and decisions facing both the Mountain West and the Pac-12. As schools weigh their options, the potential for increased revenue through exit fees and distribution agreements will play a crucial role in their decision-making processes.
Legal Battles and Future Considerations
The Mountain West and Pac-12 are not only competing for membership but are also embroiled in a legal battle over "poaching penalties" related to their scheduling agreement. This lawsuit highlights the contentious nature of conference realignment and the lengths to which leagues will go to protect their interests. The outcome of this legal dispute could have far-reaching implications for both conferences as they navigate the turbulent waters of college athletics.
As the landscape of college sports continues to shift, the situation surrounding Texas State and its potential move to the Mountain West remains fluid. With both the MWC and Pac-12 actively pursuing new members and navigating legal challenges, the coming months will be critical in shaping the future of collegiate athletics in the West. The decisions made by Texas State and other institutions will undoubtedly influence the trajectory of these conferences and the broader landscape of college sports.