ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The University of New Mexico athletic department has more questions on its future. Now, it has to do with the state of its conference.
After the latest round of conference realignment moves, four Mountain West schools — Boise State, San Diego State, Fresno State, and Colorado State — are joining the PAC-12. As part of the departure, the four schools will have to pay exit fees totaling a combined $113 million.
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Prior to the start of the 2024 athletic season, the Mountain West and the two PAC-12 schools (Oregon State and Washington State) agreed to a scheduling agreement for the 2024 football season with the possibility of extending to years to follow. That deal will not be extended.
“In the beginning days when I first was hired, conference realignment was probably the hottest issue in front of the Mountain West, and I have always said that its not our job to mount a campaign against schools doing what’s best for an individual school,” said Mountain West commissioner Gloria Nevarez. “We are tasked with the fiduciary to the Mountain West and doing what’s best interest of the league. Our board and our membership are constantly thinking about the Mountain West, how do we remain competitive, and how to think about the future.”