The Mountain West Conference (MW) is an athletic conference that operates in the Western United States. It is one of the ten conferences that make up the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The MW currently consists of 12 member institutions, all of which are located in the western United States.
The MW was founded in 1999 as a merger of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and the Big West Conference. The WAC had been in existence since 1962, while the Big West was founded in 1982. The MW has undergone several expansions and contractions over the years, but it has remained a stable conference in the FBS.
The MW is home to some of the most successful athletic programs in the country. In football, the MW has produced several national champions, including the BYU Cougars in 1984 and the Utah Utes in 2004. In basketball, the MW has also had several successful programs, including the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels, who won the national championship in 1990.
The MW is a strong conference that is well-respected in the FBS. The conference has a rich history and tradition, and it is home to some of the most successful athletic programs in the country. The MW is poised for continued success in the years to come.
1. Expansion
The expansion of the Mountain West Conference (MW) to 14 teams in 2023 with the addition of Fresno State and San Diego State is a significant development for the conference. The expansion will bring two strong athletic programs to the MW, and it will help to increase the conference’s footprint in the Western United States.
The addition of Fresno State and San Diego State will also help to improve the MW’s competitiveness. Both schools have strong football programs, and they will add to the depth of the conference. The expansion will also help to create more rivalries and excitement for fans.
The MW is committed to providing its member institutions with the resources they need to succeed. The expansion to 14 teams will help to strengthen the conference and ensure its long-term success.
The expansion of the MW is a positive development for the conference and its member institutions. The addition of Fresno State and San Diego State will help to improve the conference’s competitiveness and increase its footprint in the Western United States. The MW is well-positioned for continued success in the future.
2. Football
The Mountain West Conference (MW) is home to some of the most successful football programs in the country. The Boise State Broncos, the Fresno State Bulldogs, and the San Diego State Aztecs are all nationally recognized programs that have won numerous conference championships and bowl games. The MW is also home to several other strong football programs, such as the Air Force Falcons, the Nevada Wolf Pack, and the Wyoming Cowboys.
- Competitive Play: The MW is one of the most competitive football conferences in the country. The conference has produced several national champions, including the BYU Cougars in 1984 and the Utah Utes in 2004. The MW also has a strong track record in bowl games, with its teams winning over 60% of their bowl games since the conference was founded in 1999.
- National Recognition: The MW’s football programs are well-respected nationally. The conference’s teams are regularly ranked in the top 25 and receive invitations to major bowl games. The MW’s football programs have also produced several NFL Draft picks, including Khalil Mack, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Derek Carr.
- Fan Support: The MW’s football programs have a strong following of fans. The conference’s stadiums are often packed, and the MW’s games are regularly televised on national networks. The MW’s fans are passionate and supportive, and they create a great atmosphere at the conference’s games.
- Economic Impact: The MW’s football programs have a significant economic impact on the conference’s member institutions and the surrounding communities. The conference’s football games generate millions of dollars in revenue, and they help to support the local economy. The MW’s football programs also help to attract students to the conference’s member institutions.
The MW’s football programs are a major asset to the conference and its member institutions. The conference’s football programs are competitive, nationally recognized, and well-supported by fans. The MW’s football programs also have a significant economic impact on the conference’s member institutions and the surrounding communities.
3. Basketball
Basketball is another sport in which the Mountain West Conference (MW) has a strong presence. The Nevada Wolf Pack, the Utah State Aggies, and the Wyoming Cowboys are all nationally recognized programs that have won numerous conference championships and NCAA Tournament berths. The MW also has several other strong basketball programs, such as the Boise State Broncos, the Colorado State Rams, and the San Diego State Aztecs.
- Competitive Play: The MW is one of the most competitive basketball conferences in the country. The conference has produced several NCAA Tournament teams, including the Nevada Wolf Pack in 2018 and the Utah State Aggies in 2021. The MW also has a strong track record in the NCAA Tournament, with its teams winning over 50% of their tournament games since the conference was founded in 1999.
- National Recognition: The MW’s basketball programs are well-respected nationally. The conference’s teams are regularly ranked in the top 25 and receive invitations to major postseason tournaments. The MW’s basketball programs have also produced several NBA Draft picks, including Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard, and Kawhi Leonard.
- Fan Support: The MW’s basketball programs have a strong following of fans. The conference’s arenas are often packed, and the MW’s games are regularly televised on national networks. The MW’s fans are passionate and supportive, and they create a great atmosphere at the conference’s games.
- Economic Impact: The MW’s basketball programs have a significant economic impact on the conference’s member institutions and the surrounding communities. The conference’s basketball games generate millions of dollars in revenue, and they help to support the local economy. The MW’s basketball programs also help to attract students to the conference’s member institutions.
The MW’s basketball programs are a major asset to the conference and its member institutions. The conference’s basketball programs are competitive, nationally recognized, and well-supported by fans. The MW’s basketball programs also have a significant economic impact on the conference’s member institutions and the surrounding communities.
4. Other sports
The Mountain West Conference’s (MW) sponsorship of 18 sports, including baseball, softball, volleyball, and track and field, is a key component of the conference’s overall mission and strategic plan for 2025.
By offering a wide range of sports, the MW provides opportunities for student-athletes to participate in and excel in their chosen sports, regardless of their gender or background. This commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in the MW’s membership, which includes both public and private institutions, as well as institutions of varying sizes and locations.
In addition to providing opportunities for student-athletes, the MW’s sponsorship of other sports helps to enhance the overall athletic experience for all students. By offering a variety of sports, the MW creates a more vibrant and inclusive athletic community that fosters a sense of belonging and school spirit.
Furthermore, the MW’s sponsorship of other sports has a positive impact on the conference’s overall financial health. By generating revenue from multiple sports, the MW is able to invest more resources in its athletic programs, which benefits all student-athletes.
In conclusion, the MW’s sponsorship of 18 sports, including baseball, softball, volleyball, and track and field, is a key component of the conference’s overall mission and strategic plan for 2025. By providing opportunities for student-athletes, enhancing the overall athletic experience, and generating revenue, the MW’s sponsorship of other sports helps to ensure the long-term success of the conference.
5. Academics
The Mountain West Conference’s (MW) commitment to academic excellence is a key component of the conference’s overall mission and strategic plan for 2025. By emphasizing the importance of academics, the MW ensures that its student-athletes are well-rounded individuals who are prepared for success both on and off the field.
There are several reasons why academics are so important to the MW. First, the MW believes that student-athletes should have the opportunity to earn a quality education while pursuing their athletic careers. Second, the MW recognizes that academic success is essential for student-athletes to reach their full potential as individuals and as athletes. Third, the MW believes that academic excellence helps to build character and develop leadership skills that will benefit student-athletes long after their playing days are over.
The MW’s commitment to academic excellence is evident in several ways. First, the conference has a high graduation rate. In recent years, the MW’s graduation rate has been consistently above the national average for all NCAA Division I conferences. Second, the MW’s student-athletes have a high success rate in the classroom. In recent years, the MW’s student-athletes have consistently earned higher GPAs than the national average for all NCAA Division I student-athletes.
The MW’s commitment to academic excellence has a number of benefits for the conference and its member institutions. First, it helps to attract top student-athletes to the MW. Second, it helps to prepare student-athletes for success in their careers and in life. Third, it helps to build a positive reputation for the MW and its member institutions.
The MW’s commitment to academic excellence is an important part of the conference’s overall mission and strategic plan for 2025. By emphasizing the importance of academics, the MW ensures that its student-athletes are well-rounded individuals who are prepared for success both on and off the field.
6. Community engagement
The Mountain West Conference’s (MW) commitment to community engagement is a key component of the conference’s overall mission and strategic plan for 2025. By emphasizing the importance of community engagement, the MW ensures that its member institutions are actively involved in the communities they serve.
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Building Relationships
Community engagement helps to build relationships between the MW and its member institutions and the communities they serve. These relationships are essential for the MW to be successful in its mission of providing opportunities for student-athletes to excel both on and off the field.
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Positive Impact
Community engagement allows the MW and its member institutions to have a positive impact on the communities they serve. Through community service initiatives, the MW and its member institutions can make a difference in the lives of others.
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Educational Opportunities
Community engagement provides educational opportunities for student-athletes. Through community service, student-athletes can learn about the importance of giving back and making a difference in the world.
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Leadership Development
Community engagement helps to develop leadership skills in student-athletes. Through community service, student-athletes can learn how to work with others, solve problems, and make a positive impact on their communities.
The MW’s commitment to community engagement is an important part of the conference’s overall mission and strategic plan for 2025. By emphasizing the importance of community engagement, the MW ensures that its member institutions are actively involved in the communities they serve and that student-athletes have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the world.
7. Financial stability
Financial stability is essential for any organization, and the Mountain West Conference (MW) is no exception. The MW’s financial stability is due in large part to its long-term television contract with CBS Sports and Fox Sports. This contract provides the MW with a significant source of revenue, which allows the conference to invest in its member institutions and student-athletes.
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Television revenue
The MW’s television contract with CBS Sports and Fox Sports is one of the most lucrative in the Group of Five conferences. This contract provides the MW with a stable source of revenue that it can use to fund its operations and invest in its member institutions.
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Investment in member institutions
The MW uses its television revenue to invest in its member institutions. This investment helps to improve the quality of athletics at MW schools and provides student-athletes with the resources they need to succeed.
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Investment in student-athletes
The MW also uses its television revenue to invest in its student-athletes. This investment helps to provide student-athletes with the academic and athletic support they need to succeed.
The MW’s financial stability is a key component of the conference’s success. This stability allows the MW to invest in its member institutions and student-athletes, which helps to ensure the long-term success of the conference.
8. Leadership
Craig Thompson’s role as Commissioner of the Mountain West Conference (MW) is crucial to the conference’s success and its strategic plan for 2025.
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Vision and Strategic Planning
Thompson provides leadership and vision for the MW, guiding the conference’s strategic planning and decision-making. He works closely with the MW’s member institutions to develop and implement initiatives that will strengthen the conference and enhance the student-athlete experience.
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Financial Stability and Revenue Generation
Thompson is responsible for overseeing the MW’s financial operations and revenue generation. He works to secure and manage financial resources that support the conference’s operations and initiatives.
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External Relations and Conference Expansion
Thompson represents the MW in external relations and plays a key role in conference expansion and realignment. He works to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including media partners, sponsors, and other conferences.
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Student-Athlete Welfare and Academic Success
Thompson is committed to student-athlete welfare and academic success. He works to ensure that MW student-athletes have the resources and support they need to succeed both on and off the field.
Commissioner Thompson’s leadership is essential to the MW’s success and its ability to achieve its goals for 2025. His experience, vision, and commitment to the conference and its member institutions make him a valuable asset to the MW.
9. Future
The Mountain West Conference (MW) is well-positioned for continued success in the future. The conference has a strong foundation, a commitment to providing its member institutions with the resources they need to succeed, and a strategic plan for 2025 that will guide the conference’s future development. The MW’s strong foundation is built on a history of success, both on and off the field. The conference’s member institutions have won numerous national championships and conference titles, and MW student-athletes have excelled in the classroom and in their careers. The MW’s commitment to providing its member institutions with the resources they need to succeed is evident in the conference’s strong financial position and its long-term television contract with CBS Sports and Fox Sports. This financial stability allows the MW to invest in its member institutions and student-athletes, which will help the conference to continue to compete at a high level in the years to come.
The MW’s strategic plan for 2025 outlines the conference’s goals for the future. These goals include increasing the MW’s competitiveness, enhancing the student-athlete experience, and strengthening the conference’s financial position. The MW is confident that it can achieve these goals by continuing to invest in its member institutions and student-athletes, and by working together to build a stronger and more successful conference.
The MW’s future is bright. The conference has a strong foundation, a commitment to providing its member institutions with the resources they need to succeed, and a strategic plan for 2025 that will guide the conference’s future development. The MW is well-positioned for continued success in the future, and the conference is excited to see what the future holds.
FAQs on Mountain West Conference 2025
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Mountain West Conference (MW) and its strategic plan for 2025.
Question 1: What is the MW’s strategic plan for 2025?Answer: The MW’s strategic plan for 2025 outlines the conference’s goals for the future. These goals include increasing the MW’s competitiveness, enhancing the student-athlete experience, and strengthening the conference’s financial position.Question 2: How is the MW planning to increase its competitiveness?Answer: The MW is planning to increase its competitiveness by continuing to invest in its member institutions and student-athletes. The conference is also working to improve its scheduling and officiating, and to develop new revenue streams.Question 3: What is the MW doing to enhance the student-athlete experience?Answer: The MW is committed to enhancing the student-athlete experience by providing its student-athletes with the resources and support they need to succeed both on and off the field. The conference is also working to improve the mental health and well-being of its student-athletes.Question 4: How is the MW planning to strengthen its financial position?Answer: The MW is planning to strengthen its financial position by continuing to generate revenue from its television contract and other sources. The conference is also working to reduce its expenses and to develop new revenue streams.Question 5: What are the MW’s goals for the future?Answer: The MW’s goals for the future include increasing its competitiveness, enhancing the student-athlete experience, and strengthening the conference’s financial position. The MW is confident that it can achieve these goals by continuing to work together and by building on its strong foundation.Question 6: What are the challenges facing the MW?Answer: The MW faces a number of challenges, including the increasing cost of athletics, the changing landscape of college athletics, and the need to continue to attract and retain top student-athletes. However, the MW is confident that it can overcome these challenges and continue to be a successful conference.
Tips for the Mountain West Conference 2025
The Mountain West Conference (MW) is a collegiate athletic conference that operates in the Western United States. The MW is committed to providing its member institutions with the resources and support they need to succeed both on and off the field. The conference has a strategic plan for 2025 that outlines its goals for the future, including increasing competitiveness, enhancing the student-athlete experience, and strengthening the conference’s financial position.
Here are a few tips for the MW as it works to achieve its goals for 2025:
Tip 1: Continue to invest in member institutions. The MW should continue to invest in its member institutions by providing them with the financial resources and support they need to be successful. This includes investing in facilities, academic programs, and student-athlete support services. Tip 2: Improve scheduling and officiating. The MW should work to improve its scheduling and officiating in order to increase the competitiveness of the conference. This includes scheduling more competitive non-conference games and improving the quality of officiating. Tip 3: Develop new revenue streams. The MW should explore new ways to generate revenue in order to strengthen its financial position. This includes exploring new media partnerships, corporate sponsorships, and licensing agreements. Tip 4: Enhance the student-athlete experience. The MW should continue to enhance the student-athlete experience by providing its student-athletes with the resources and support they need to succeed both on and off the field. This includes providing academic support, mental health services, and career development opportunities. Tip 5: Focus on diversity and inclusion. The MW should focus on diversity and inclusion in all aspects of its operations. This includes recruiting and hiring a diverse workforce, and providing opportunities for student-athletes from all backgrounds to succeed. Summary
By following these tips, the MW can continue to be a successful and competitive conference in the years to come. The MW is committed to providing its member institutions with the resources and support they need to succeed, and the conference is confident that it can achieve its goals for 2025.
Conclusion
The Mountain West Conference (MW) is a growing and vibrant athletic conference. The MW is committed to providing its member institutions with the resources and support they need to succeed both on and off the field. The conference has a strategic plan for 2025 that outlines its goals for the future, including increasing competitiveness, enhancing the student-athlete experience, and strengthening the conference’s financial position.
The MW is poised for continued success in the years to come. The conference has a strong foundation, a commitment to its member institutions and student-athletes, and a strategic plan for the future. These factors will help the MW to achieve its ambitious goals, build on its proud history, and continue to positively impact the lives of countless student-athletes.
