Hawai'i will become the eighth full-time member of the Mountain West Conference on July 1, 2026, it was announced Tuesday.
It's a notable turnaround for the Mountain West, which needed an eighth full-time member to meet the NCAA minimum to remain a conference. Hawai'i became a member of the football-only conference in 2012, and most of its other sports compete in the Big West.
“We are delighted to welcome the Mountain West to the University of Hawai'i as a full-time member,” Commissioner Gloria Nevarez said in a statement. “…We are excited to add their incredible national brand across MW sports. As a flagship institution in the islands, with extraordinary academics and a celebrated athletic tradition, we look forward to providing their student-athletes with exceptional educational and athletic experiences. “
Last month, Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State and Utah State announced they were leaving to join the rebuilding Pac-12. Prior to this change with Hawai'i, the Mountain West added UTEP from Conference USA.
The conference also secured long-term commitments from the Air Force, Nevada, New Mexico, UNLV, San Jose State and Wyoming.
“The University of Hawaii is honored to accept full membership in the Mountain West Conference, marking a pivotal moment in the history of our athletic program,” UH President David Lassner said in a statement. “This expanded partnership will build on our strong football relationship and confidently position us to thrive with our Mountain West colleagues in the incredibly dynamic landscape of intercollegiate athletics.”
Despite meeting the minimum requirement by 2026, the Mountain West is still likely to look to expand. He was previously involved in talks with Texas State and showed some interest in adding Northern Illinois as a football-only member.
