What does the Mountain West, Pac-12 settlement mean for Nevada, UNLV and other MW schools?

Key Points:

• The Mountain West (MW) and Pac-12 conferences have reached a settlement agreement to end two lawsuits related to the departure of five MW schools to the Pac-12, with terms to be filed by June 2 but undisclosed publicly.
• The MW was owed up to $155 million in exit fees and a poaching penalty, but the settlement is estimated around $82.5 million, roughly 55 cents on the dollar, reflecting typical reductions in such cases and legal uncertainties.
• Distribution of settlement funds among MW schools is based on a media rights grant formula, with UNLV and Air Force receiving the largest shares (about $20 million each), while newer MW members receive no share of this money.
• The settlement incentivizes schools like UNLV to remain in the MW due to media rights arrangements, conference office relocation to Las Vegas, and more favorable exit terms compared to the Pac-12’s punitive fees.
• Although the lawsuits end, animosity remains as the Pac-12, weakened by departures, and the MW prepare to compete athletically in the 2026-27 season, with both conferences having media rights deals extending through 2031-2032.