NDSU to MOUNTAIN WEST ***********

[JBB2]

Just got this link it’s six months old but a great look at why and why not the FBS move makes sense.

I used to be all rah rah move now! The word now is Cautious and dubious. Idaho lost the big gamble.

The only people able to make the decision are empowered, informed executives. We get surveys so Our opinions do count. Tough to give up a lucrative cat birds seat for a bottom rung spot in the FBS. They don’t even want new members. CFP money is not intended for NDSU. NDSU helped design the FCS playoff.

Maybe they want a chunk of NDSUs revenues. fair market value bro! Is a 2 mill/year progression up to 6 million enough? I don’t understand the cost structure beyond totals but it appears NDSU goes from easy street to hand to mouth for a football schedule no better than the one they have now, no seats to sell and a mythical playoff spot.

In a sea of doubt NDSU led the way to Division 1. The rest were eventually all on board. Maybe history in some form will repeat itself?

https://youtu.be/XpfcAwgMwOE?si=StT8cC_p6Wq0lZiw

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[JBB2]

This would keep Bison football busy for a while. Build it up so come 2032 there might be better options. A couple other MWC additions a Kansas or Gopher game etc, toss in a sun belt/MAC or two, an FCS from the NCC/Big Sky, the schedule could be sustained for years.. If the moneys right it sure seems doable.

https://www.mwcconnection.com/2025/6/4/ ... -additions

Seven programs are locked in with a Grant of Rights through 2032:

• UNLV: Vegas spotlight, recruiting goldmine, Allegiant Stadium equals a power move.

UNLV Rebels

Las Vegas is booming, and UNLV is sitting in a hotbed of recruiting potential. With Allegiant Stadium as a showcase venue and a city built for major events, UNLV could quickly become the face of the new MWC—especially if it continues its football ascent. Their basketball legacy also positions them well for national relevance.

• Air Force: Consistent, disciplined, and always dangerous.

Air Force Falcons

Air Force brings discipline, tradition, and a unique style of play. With the academies immune to most transfer chaos and NIL bidding wars, they remain a stabilizing power. Expect Air Force to be a consistent football contender and a culture-setter in the reshaped conference.

• Nevada: Rebuilding opportunity, in-state momentum.

Nevada Wolf Pack

Though the Wolf Pack has faced recent struggles, they benefit from regional rivalries and a loyal fan base. With less competition for in-state attention (especially since UNR is not leaving), this is a prime opportunity to rebuild the brand and reestablish dominance.

• New Mexico: Fresh start, passionate fan base, significant upside.

New Mexico Lobos

With the conference reset, New Mexico could benefit the most and prove to be the Big Dog in this conference. A fresh path opens for the Lobos to shake off a long-standing underdog label. New facilities, strong community support in Albuquerque, and a new-look MWC landscape could spark a true rebirth—especially if football starts winning.

• San Jose State: Heart of Silicon Valley, a sleeping giant.

San Jose State Spartans

San Jose State is often overlooked, yet it has massive potential. Sitting in the heart of Silicon Valley, their access to innovation, tech partnerships, and talent is unmatched. With less overshadowing from big-name neighbors, SJSU can finally lead instead of chase.

• Wyoming: Altitude. Attitude. Loyal as ever.

Wyoming Cowboys

Wyoming’s blue-collar identity and rabid fan base give the MWC heart. Laramie will now stand tall as one of the conference’s flagship environments. The elevation, tradition, and physical style of play make the Cowboys a nightmare for opponents—and a brand the MWC will lean on.

• Hawaii (becoming a full member in 2026)- Finally, all in. Island pride, prime-time games.

Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors

Finally becoming a full member in 2026, Hawai’i adds a unique time-zone advantage, recruiting reach into the Pacific, and passionate state-wide backing. With improved facilities and commitment from leadership, the Rainbow Warriors can become a central figure in football and beyond.

[JBB2]

The MWC contract rules all until 2032

https://nevadasportsnet.com/news/report ... e-together

Here are some high points. You have to read it so you might not be interested beyond knowing there is only 18 million available to recruit new members. If they only pick NDSU it might be enough.

3,5 million annual media payment/school continues. There is no provision mentioned for conference additions and no apparent money tree.

3. Media money promised not to decline: The MW agreed to maintain the current media-rights revenue distributions of no less than the current $3.5 million per year per school. If the next media-rights deal falls short of that figure, the conference "will utilize a combination of revenue sources to maintain these distributions."

4. Only $61 million promised: While the MW is in line to collect around $90 million in exit fees ($18 million per school for five schools), only $61 million in collected fees is promised to the remaining members in the first wave of payments using the following breakdown: 24.5 percent to Air Force and UNLV; 11.5 percent to Nevada, New Mexico, San Jose State and Wyoming; and 5 percent to Hawaii. That would give Nevada $7.015 million, down from $10.35 million if all $90 million in exit fees was collected and distributed. That "incentive payment" is due to schools July 1, 2026.

5. $18 million held in reserve: The MW will hold $18 million of the exit fees in reserve in an effort to recruit new members to the conference. Any money not used to rebuild the conference will be distributed to the seven schools. There's also an additional $21 million in exit fees expected to be collected that would be distributed in the future, too. Both the reserve money and second wave of collected fees would use the per-school percentages stated above. That could be an additional $4.485 million for Nevada for a total of $11.5 million.

[JBB2]

Lol. 18 million entrance fee and no media dollars! lol That’s the proposition? Trading a Ferrari for a broken down mustang?

what are they possibly discussing?

Just say no until they can afford NDSU. .then maybe discussions.

[Lakesbison]

That’s FAKE NEWS

[EC8DCK]

That’s FAKE NEWS

You should know. You're the king of Fake News.

[Lakesbison]

or literally everyone has debunked it

President Cook and AD have until January 2 TO WRAP THIS UP. HURRY UP

[kevin]

Calling FCS a Ferrari is commendable levels of cope.

No way we could take that deal tho.

[JBB2]

Probably should have just said new corvette, but there was no convenient knockoff to replace the Mustang.

The FBS race track is nicer. They only let compacs like NDSU on their infield track

If they get the money go. If not forget it. I think the FCS is a classic undergoing a rebuild.

[kevin]

They’ll need to rebuild after this exodus v3.0

Maybe they can get grand valley state and Mankato to compete with ThE iVy’S