• Loading stock data...
Saturday, October 11, 2025
One week until Asset Class at the NYSE Request to Attend

Wild Day of Realignment Talks Ends in Limbo for Mountain West, Pac-12

  • The Mountain West spent the day working on an agreement to get existing members to stay put.
  • But multiple outlets reported Utah State didn’t sign, casting doubt on the viability of the entire deal.
Utah State's football coach and a players.
Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images

On Sept. 12, just 11 days ago, the Pac-12 announced it would add four Mountain West schools—Boise State, San Diego State, Fresno State, and Colorado State—in 2026. 

On Monday, another round of realignment negotiations for the now-rivals of the Pac-12 and Mountain West heated up after four AAC schools announced they would stay put.

Throughout Monday, the Mountain West, led by commissioner Gloria Nevarez, was working to get all existing members to sign a written commitment to stay in the conference, a source confirmed to Front Office Sports. The league is offering financial incentives—dealing from a $111 million war chest of exit and damage fees—and hopes that the agreement will eventually turn into a formal grant of rights deal that will extend through the next College Football Playoff media agreement in 2031. 

But the conference did not end up making an announcement it hoped for Monday night. Instead, multiple outlets reported the Pac-12 was planning to take Utah State from the Mountain West. Other schools—including key member UNLV—decided not to sign the Mountain West’s agreement just yet. 

Earlier on Monday, the AAC announced Memphis, Tulane, UTSA, and USF would remain in the conference despite being courted by the Pac-12 and possibly others, and later suggested the rest of its schools had made the same commitment.

What’s Next?

If the Pac-12 gets Utah State, it would be one school shy from the NCAA-mandated magic number of eight FBS schools, a number that would ensure that the conference will live on—at least for now.

After finding another FBS member, the Pac-12 could turn to FCS schools with powerhouse football programs interested in jumping to the next level. The conference may also continue conversations with Gonzaga, which has not received a formal offer to join the conference but has been in discussions with the Pac-12 as a basketball member, another source told FOS. The Zags do not sponsor football.

In losing Utah State, the Mountain West’s exit and damage fees would increase to $140 million. The conference’s scheduling partnership with the Pac-12 requires significant damage fees to be paid out for each school taken from the Mountain West. After poaching five schools, the Pac-12 would owe the Mountain West $55 million, according to a copy of the agreement previously obtained by FOS. The conference would also receive around $17 million per school in exit fees.

The Mountain West would also need one more FBS-playing member to maintain its current status. The conference has received interest from several schools in both the FBS and FCS classifications, the first source previously told FOS.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Sep 27, 2025; Evanston, Illinois, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) passes the ball against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium.

Big Ten Vote on Investment From California Pension Expected Next Week

A vote is expected to happen as early as next week, FOS confirmed.
Oct 9, 2025; Rosemont, IL, USA; Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti speaks during Big Ten MenÕs Basketball Media Days at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.

In an Expanded March Madness, Big Ten Favors Straight Seeding

Discussion around expanding the tournament continues to escalate.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
Congresswoman Lori Trahan talks with people outside the Shriver Job Corps Center in Devens June 18

Congresswoman Says College Sports Commission Process Is ‘Harming Athletes’

The CSC’s process is “slow, inefficient, and inscrutable,” Rep. Trahan said.
October 9, 2025

What If UNC and Belichick Part Ways? The Buyout Structure Is …..

If Belichick is fired without cause in his last two seasons, UNC owes him nothing.
exclusive
October 9, 2025

LSU Signs Multimillion-Dollar Jersey Patch Deal Before NCAA Approval

A new proposal would allow jersey sponsors in 2026.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Sep 1, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick on the field before the game at Kenan Stadium
October 8, 2025

UNC’s Disastrous Season Continues With Report of NCAA Rules Violation

A UNC cornerbacks coach reportedly gave sideline passes to a player’s family.
Oct 4, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) drops back to pass during the fourth quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Rose Bowl.
October 8, 2025

NCAA Revises the Transfer Portal Windows Around Coaching Changes

The exception for coaching changes is shifting.
Oct 4, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back DeShon Singleton (8) celebrates after making an interception during the game against Michigan State at Memorial Stadium.
exclusive
October 7, 2025

Big Ten Considering Investment From California Pension Fund

Under the proposal, Big Ten would spin assets into a new entity.
Sep 20, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule walks onto the field before the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Memorial Stadium.
October 7, 2025

Big Ten Teams Grapple With Long Flights, Time-Zone Hurdles

Coaches across the country are noticing some impact.