Colorado State Leaving Mountain West Conference in 2026

CSU Moves to New Horizons, MW Prepares for Change

Departure Shifts Mountain West Landscape

In a groundbreaking announcement, Colorado State University has decided to depart from the Mountain West Conference (MW) in 2026. This departure will significantly impact both CSU's athletic program and the conference's future trajectory. Let's dive into the details and explore the implications of this major move.

CSU Embarks on a New Chapter

Colorado State University will join the American Athletic Conference (AAC) in 2026. The AAC is a Group of Five conference that includes schools like the University of Cincinnati, University of South Florida, and SMU. CSU's move to the AAC is expected to enhance its athletic competitiveness and provide a more challenging environment for its student-athletes.

Mountain West Adapts to Change

The Mountain West Conference will experience a significant shift with CSU's departure. The conference will lose one of its founding members and a perennial contender in football and basketball. The MW is expected to explore expansion options to maintain its stability and competitiveness.

Reasons Behind the Departure

CSU's decision to leave the MW was influenced by several factors: - Athletic competitiveness: CSU believes the AAC provides a more challenging and competitive environment for its athletic programs. - Increased revenue potential: The AAC offers a more lucrative television contract than the MW, which will provide CSU with additional financial resources. - Geographic alignment: The AAC's geographic footprint aligns better with CSU's recruiting and fan base.

Impact on the Mountain West

The departure of CSU will have a significant impact on the Mountain West Conference. The conference will lose a strong athletic program and one of its most recognizable brands. The MW will need to adjust its scheduling and revenue-sharing agreements to account for CSU's absence.

Moving Forward

The Mountain West Conference is committed to remaining a strong and competitive conference. The MW will continue to explore expansion options and enhance its overall athletic programs. Colorado State University's departure opens a new chapter for both the school and the Mountain West Conference. The future of both entities will be shaped by the decisions they make in the coming years.