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College Conference · NCAA Division I

Mountain West Conference

The Mountain West — the conference of the interior West, rebuilt for 2026 around UNLV, New Mexico, Air Force and new members UTEP and North Dakota State.
✓ Last reviewed: August 2026
Founded1998
HeadquartersColorado Springs, Colorado
2026 resetUTEP, NDSU, NIU (fb), UC Davis (non-fb) join
DivisionNCAA Division I

What is the Mountain West Conference?

The Mountain West Conference is the Division I conference of the interior American West. After five members departed for the rebuilt Pac-12 in 2026, the league reset around its remaining core and new additions.[1] [2]

Members and sports

The 2026 membership centers on Air Force, Hawai'i, Nevada, New Mexico, San José State, UNLV and Wyoming, joined by UTEP, North Dakota State (moving up from the FCS) and football-only Northern Illinois, with UC Davis added in non-football sports.[1] [3]

Since when does it exist?

Founded in 1998 (first competition 1999) by schools leaving the Western Athletic Conference; headquartered in Colorado Springs.[2]

Why does the Mountain West Conference matter?

The Mountain West remains a nationally ranked football and basketball league — Boise State's playoff run came as a MW member — and its championships carry established Division I standing across sports.[2] [3]

References

  1. Mountain West — UTEP officially joins. Accessed August 2026.
  2. Mountain West — official site. Accessed August 2026.
  3. CBS Sports — UC Davis to join Mountain West in 2026. Accessed August 2026.