Boise State University is among four western schools announcing they’re joining the Pac-12 Conference after last year’s exodus left the organization on life support with only two members.
The Broncos join current Mountain West Conference rivals Colorado State, Fresno State and San Diego State in the move, which takes effect July 1, 2026.
“For over a century, the Pac-12 Conference has been recognized as a leading brand in intercollegiate athletics,” said Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould in a statement. “An exciting new era for the Pac-12 Conference begins today.”
Oregon State and Washington State are the Pac-12’s only current members after the other 10 universities fled to other conferences over the past two years.
Boise State Athletic Director Jeramiah Dickey called it a “transformational day” in a letter to athletics supporters.
“I feel very confident in terms of where we’re at today and where we’re going to be five years from now. We are investing in our future.” Dickey said in a press conference Thursday.
Those opportunities, according to Dickey, include higher revenue potential, though he didn’t go into specifics.
Just above two screens projecting the Broncos logo behind Dickey, bolded letters read, "Our goal is to win the [Mountain West Conference] Championship and a bowl game with class, integrity and academic excellence."
It’s not immediately clear who will pay a reported $17 million exit fee to the Mountain West. Boise State Athletics said a breakdown of the financials will be available soon.
Dickey said talks began shortly after the Pac-12 and Mountain West signed an agreement in December outlining their joint football season. But it wasn’t until this week, he said, that things got serious.
“When you look at the start of this week, I was not envisioning standing in front of you today. It escalated over the last 48 hours of ‘This is happening. Are you in or you out?’”
“All departing members will be held to the Conference bylaws and policies, and all requirements of the scheduling agreement will apply to the Pac-12,” Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez said in a statement. “The Mountain West has a proud 25-year history and will continue to thrive in the years ahead.”
The exodus leaves Air Force, Hawai‘i, Nevada, New Mexico, San José State, UNLV, Utah State and Wyoming playing football in the Mountain West.
The Pac-12 still needs another two schools to join within the next year in order to remain in good standing with the NCAA.
The move must be approved by the Idaho State Board of Education.
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