The Mountain West Conference (MWC) is an NCAA Division I collegiate athletic conference that was established in 1998. Primarily based in the Western United States, the Mountain West was created to provide a competitive platform for member institutions in various sports. Here’s an overview of its history:
Formation (1998)
- Founding: The Mountain West Conference was officially founded on May 26, 1998, to replace the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) as a more focused group of schools in the western U.S. The original members included Brigham Young University (BYU), Colorado State University, University of New Mexico, University of Utah, University of Wyoming, San Diego State University, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), and Air Force Academy.
- Rationale: The creation of the Mountain West was motivated by a desire for stronger competition in football and basketball, as well as independence in scheduling and administration that the member institutions felt was lacking in the WAC.
Early Years (1998-2000s)
- Initial Success: In its early years, the Mountain West quickly established itself in NCAA football, with teams like BYU and Utah gaining prominence.
- Basketball Recognition: The conference became known for strong basketball programs as well, with teams participating regularly in NCAA tournaments.
Expansion and Realignment (2000s)
- Addition of New Members: In 2000, the conference expanded to ten teams by adding University of Nevada, Reno (Nevada) and Utah State University into the fold, which diversified its geographic footprint.
- 2005 Realignment: After the WAC lost several members, including Utah and UNLV, the Mountain West remained stable, as it had grown in stature. However, it also lost teams like Utah to the Pac-10 (now Pac-12) in 2011, which prompted the Mountain West to reassess its membership.
Growth and Stability (2010s)
- Further Additions: The conference expanded again in 2013 by adding Fresno State and San Jose State, bolstering its presence in California.
- Football Championship Game: In 2013, the Mountain West implemented a football championship game, creating a platform for its top teams to compete for the conference title.
- Athletic Achievements: Throughout the decade, teams in the Mountain West enjoyed successes in various sports, with the football programs often competing in bowl games and teams like UNLV and San Diego State achieving NCAA tournament bids in basketball.
Current Era and Recent Developments (2020s)
- Recent Challenges and Changes: The COVID-19 pandemic affected the conference like many others, leading to adjusted schedules and health protocols.
- Continued Realignment: The landscape of college sports continues to change, and the Mountain West has remained in discussions regarding conference realignment, partnerships, and broadcasting rights. It has managed to retain its core institutions while adapting to the evolving collegiate athletic environment.
Current Membership
As of today, the Mountain West Conference includes 12 member institutions, primarily from the western United States, competing across various sports in a broad collegiate athletic framework. The conference maintains a focus on promoting student-athlete welfare and enhancing the competitive experience.
The Mountain West has established itself as a significant player in collegiate athletics, particularly in football and basketball, showcasing a strong tradition of athletic excellence from its member institutions.
