MWC PRESS RELEASE
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Mountain West Conference and Boise State University today jointly announced, effective immediately, Boise State will remain a member of the Mountain West in all sports.
“Without question, conference affiliation has been an odyssey for Boise State, with all the unexpected turns and changes that term suggests,” stated Boise State University president Robert Kustra. “The benefits of geographic footprint, revenue, and national exposure have to be balanced against the changing circumstances of conference realignment. I am confident that our Mountain West membership is the very best decision for Boise State University, our student-athletes and our incredible fan base.”
“We are very pleased today to announce Boise State University’s continuing membership in the Mountain West Conference,” said Commissioner Craig Thompson. “Maintaining the Broncos program as part of the already solid foundation we have established creates a posture of great stability for the Mountain West going forward. It also enhances the Conference’s competitive and marketplace platforms, positioning us favorably in the evolving FBS landscape.”
With the addition of San Jose State University and Utah State University on July 1, 2013, the Mountain West will be comprised of 10 all-sport members and 11 football-playing institutions. Currently, the Mountain West membership includes: the United States Air Force Academy, Boise State University, Colorado State University, Fresno State, University of Hawai‘i (football only), University of Nevada, University of New Mexico, UNLV and University of Wyoming.
BOISE STATE PRESS RELEASE
<strong>BOISE, Idaho -</strong> Boise State University President Dr. Robert Kustra announced today (Dec. 31) that football and the majority of Boise State’s athletic programs will remain in the Mountain West Conference.
“Mountain West presidents made it official earlier today when they accepted the terms of the agreement for Boise State to remain in the league.”
The Boise State football program was scheduled to join the Big East Conference on July 1, 2013, while the majority of its remaining athletic programs would join the Big West Conference on the same date.
But with the changes to conference membership around the country the past few months, Boise State has decided to remain in the Mountain West after lengthy discussions with league officials.
“Without question, conference affiliation has been an odyssey for Boise State, with all the unexpected turns and changes that term suggests,” Boise State President Dr. Robert Kustra stated. “The benefits of geographic footprint, revenue, and national exposure have to be balanced against the changing circumstances of conference realignment. I am confident that our Mountain West membership is the very best decision for Boise State University, our student-athletes and our incredible fan base.”
A key factor in Boise State’s decision to remain in the Mountain West has been the Bronco’s home football television rights. In its new agreement with the Mountain West, the league will ensure Boise State home football games are not part of any current or future Mountain West Conference wide television rights contract.
The league will guarantee the rights to Boise State home football games that are sold as a separate package. The revenue from such Boise State home football games shall be retained by the Mountain West and added to the Mountain West media revenues to be disbursed in the same manner as all other league media revenues.
Boise State and other football teams in the Mountain West who appear on national television (ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox) will be paid a bonus of $300,000 per game, with an additional $200,000 for a Saturday game.
“Along with Dr. Kustra, I’m pleased we have been able to work out an agreement with the Mountain West that will enhance the national exposure of Bronco football,” Boise State Director of Athletics Mark Coyle commented. “I am excited to remain in the Mountain West Conference and look forward to building our rivalries in the league for not only football, but all sports.”
Among other provisions in Boise State’s new agreement with the league, the Mountain West will honor Boise State’s existing non-conference scheduling commitments for future games and the league will not regulate Boise State’s uniform colors or designs. Specifically the Bronco’s will be permitted to wear all blue uniforms at home.
“I commend the effort Dr. Kustra and Mark (Coyle) have put forth in making sure the Bronco football program continues to grow at the national level,” Bronco Head Football Coach Chris Petersen said. “As I’ve stated many times, I have had the utmost trust that the university would make the right decision in what is best for Bronco football and all our sports at Boise State. This innovative proposal to get football the maximum exposure on national television will be a tremendous boost to our program as we continue to grow the Bronco brand.
“The football programs in the Mountain West Conference continue to get stronger and we look forward to the challenge and competing in a strong league for many years to come.”
Boise State (11-2) recently completed its 2012 season with a 28-26 victory over the University of Washington in the MAACO Bowl Las Vegas. The Broncos open their 2013 season on Aug. 31 (Saturday) in Seattle against the Huskies.