Pac-12 Conference and Mountain West Conference Announce Partnership, Four MW Schools to Join Pac-12 in 2023

Four Mountain West Football Teams to Join Pac-12 Conference in 2023

The Pac-12 Conference and Mountain West Conference announced a major realignment agreement on Thursday, June 30, 2023. The agreement will see four football-playing institutions from the Mountain West join the Pac-12 in 2023: the Boise State Broncos, Fresno State Bulldogs, San Diego State Aztecs, and Colorado State Rams.

Schools Leaving the Mountain West Conference

The departure of these four schools will leave the Mountain West with eight football-playing members: Air Force, Nevada, New Mexico, San Jose State, UNLV, Utah State, Wyoming, and the newly added Incarnate Word.

Pac-12 Expansion Strengthens Conference

The addition of these four schools will strengthen the Pac-12 Conference, which has been seeking to expand its footprint and increase its overall competitiveness. The Pac-12 is one of the Power Five conferences in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and has a long history of success in college football.

Benefits for Both Conferences

The partnership between the Pac-12 and Mountain West is expected to benefit both conferences. The Pac-12 will gain four additional football-playing members, while the Mountain West will receive a significant financial settlement and the opportunity to explore new scheduling options.

Expansion Reflects Changing Landscape of College Athletics

The Pac-12 and Mountain West realignment is just one example of the changing landscape of college athletics. In recent years, several conferences have undergone major changes, including expansion, mergers, and realignment.

Conclusion

The Pac-12 and Mountain West realignment is a major development in college football and will have a significant impact on both conferences. The addition of four strong football programs to the Pac-12 will strengthen the conference and increase its competitiveness, while the Mountain West will receive a financial windfall and the opportunity to explore new scheduling options.