Mountain West Commissioner’s Strong Message After Pac-12 Expansion Reports

The Mountain West Conference, as we know it, is set for some major changes. Late Wednesday night, a report came that all of Boise State, Colorado State, San Diego State and Fresno State are expected to join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in 2026.

If the move becomes official, it will ignite plenty of rumors regarding which programs to join, and two AAC programs-- Memphis and UTSA -- have been linked as potential targets.

Shortly after the news came out, Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez released a lengthy statement, per Brett McMurphy of The Action Network.

"The Mountain West Conference is aware of media reports regarding the potential departure of several of our members & we will have more to say in the days ahead," Nevarez wrote. "All members will be held to the Conference bylaws & policies should they elect to depart."

"The requirements of the scheduling agreement will apply to the Pac-12 should they admit Mountain West members," Nevarez continued in the statement. "Our Board of Directors is meeting to determine our next steps. The Mountain West has a proud 25-year history & will continue to thrive in the years ahead.”

It is quite the statement from Nevarez, and it will be worth watching to see what happens with the four programs trying to leave for the Pac-12.

Earlier in the evening, McMurphy reported that each MWC school that is departing will have to pay a $17 million fee.

After most of the Pac-12 programs left, Oregon State and Washington State joined a scheduling agreement with the Mountain West.

However, Nevaraz saying, "We will have more to say in the days ahead," is certainly something.

Nonetheless, the Mountain West losing Boise State, San Diego State, Colorado State and Fresno State would be a massive loss in both basketball and football.

Related: Two AAC Programs Emerge As Potential Targets For Pac 12 Expansion

Related: Boise State Athletic Director Teases Massive Announcement Amid Realignment Rumors