Full Breakdown
Mountain West Conference Secures New Media Rights Deals
2/7/2026, 10:02:11 PM
Overview of New Media Partnerships
The Mountain West Conference has finalized new media rights agreements with CBS Sports, Fox Sports, and The CW, set to commence in the 2026-27 season. These six-year deals will enhance the visibility of the conference's football and basketball programs, with CBS and Fox serving as the primary broadcasters. CBS will air 15 regular-season college football games, 18 men’s basketball games, and two women’s basketball matches, while Fox will exclusively broadcast the Mountain West Football Championship Game and 12 regular-season football games. The CW will contribute by airing 13 college football games, 20 men’s basketball games, and 15 women’s basketball fixtures.
Streaming Service Launch
In addition to traditional broadcasting, the Mountain West is partnering with Kiswe to develop a direct-to-consumer streaming service, the MW App. This platform will provide access to over 1,000 live events annually, including sports not covered by national broadcasters. The MW App is expected to launch in July 2026 and will be available on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Roku, and Apple TV.
Financial Context and Distribution
While the financial specifics of the new agreements were not disclosed, Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez confirmed that the media rights payout would not decrease from the previous arrangement, which provided approximately $3.5 million annually to member schools. The new deals come at a time of significant transition for the conference, as five schools are set to depart for the Pac-12, while new members, including the University of California, Davis, Northern Illinois, and Utah Tech, will join.
Implications for Member Schools
The new media rights deals are seen as a pivotal moment for the Mountain West, providing a broader distribution plan than ever before. Nevarez stated, “The partnerships with CBS Sports, Fox Sports, The CW Network, and Kiswe represent the broadest media distribution plan in the conference’s history.” This initiative aims to showcase the athletic and academic achievements of student-athletes while ensuring financial stability for the remaining member schools.
Criticism and Challenges Ahead
Despite the optimism surrounding the new agreements, challenges remain. The Mountain West is currently embroiled in a legal dispute with the Pac-12 over $150 million in alleged poaching fees related to the departing schools. Additionally, the financial sustainability of the new media deals amidst the changing landscape of college athletics raises questions about the long-term viability of the conference's revenue model.
Conclusion
The Mountain West Conference's new media rights deals with CBS, Fox, and The CW, along with the launch of the MW App, mark a significant evolution in its broadcasting strategy. As the conference navigates a period of transition and legal challenges, these partnerships aim to enhance visibility and revenue, ultimately benefiting its member institutions.
