Hawaii Makes Historic Move to Full Membership

In a groundbreaking announcement, Hawaii will transition from an affiliate to a full member of the Mountain West Conference (MWC) in 2026. This move not only strengthens the MWC's football roster but also enriches the competitive landscape of college athletics nationwide.

Background on Hawaii's Participation in MWC

Hawaii has been a football-only member of the Mountain West since 2012 while competing in the Big West Conference for most of its other sports. The announcement comes at a critical juncture for the Mountain West, which recently saw powerhouse programs such as Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, and San Diego State announce their plans to leave for the Pac-12 in 2026, followed by Utah State.

MWC’s Stability Amid Departures

Despite these departures, the MWC managed to secure its remaining full members through 2032, alongside Hawaii, ensuring that the conference remains viable at the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level.

Reactions from Conference Officials

Commissioner Gloria Nevarez expressed excitement about Hawaii's full membership, stating, 'Hawaii has been a tremendous football-only member since 2012, and we’re excited to add their incredible national brand across all MW sports.' This sentiment was echoed by Hawaii's athletic director, Craig Angelos, who noted that the financial landscape would remain favorable for the university, as they will no longer need to pay travel subsidies, thus saving significant funds.

Future of the Mountain West Conference

The Mountain West is not done yet, as sources indicate a desire to increase membership to at least nine football teams to facilitate scheduling. The conference is reportedly eyeing schools from the Mid-American Conference, like Northern Illinois and Toledo, for potential expansion. However, any prospective moves will hinge on the schools finding suitable arrangements for their other sports.

Existing Agreements and Financial Implications

Regarding existing agreements, the MWC operates under a grant of rights agreement that binds schools unless they receive an invitation from a Power 4 conference, additionally laying out the distribution of exit fees among member institutions. Notably, Hawaii will receive only 5% of funds tied to this agreement, a lesser share compared to other schools in the league.

Mountain West’s Strategic Moves

In a significant strategic move, the Mountain West plans to relocate its headquarters from Colorado Springs to Las Vegas in the coming years, potentially enhancing the conference's visibility and marketability.

Hawaii's Commitment to the Mountain West

As Hawaii embarks on this new journey, university president David Lassner stated, 'The University of Hawaii is honored to accept full membership in the Mountain West Conference. This expanded partnership will solidify our position in the rapidly evolving landscape of intercollegiate athletics.'

Looking Ahead in College Sports

With the Pac-12 also navigating a transformative period, college sports enthusiasts are on the edge of their seats watching how future conference alignments will unfold. The stage is set for an exciting era of collegiate competition, and Hawaii's move to the Mountain West is just the beginning! Stay tuned as we bring you the latest updates on this thrilling development in sports!