More conference realignment arrived this month.
Northern Illinois leaders voted to accept an invitation from the Mountain West, and the move was made official earlier this month. That means NIU will leave the MAC.
Here’s more information about NIU’s departure.
Northern Illinois’ Mountain West Move
There’s plenty for the Huskies to consider with a change like this.
The ultimate question, as has been the case with basically all conference realignment, has been if moving to a new conference would lead to more money. Going to the Mountain West, the Huskies are likely aiming to make more than they would be by simply staying in the MAC.
Travel has to be considered as well. Currently, the MAC is one of the most logical conferences in the FBS in terms of geography. Within the past couple years, we’ve seen Washington and Oregon go to the Big Ten as well as Stanford and Cal go to the ACC.
While moving to the Mountain West might put NIU in a more competitive league that could arguably bring the program more notoriety, it would also put the football team in the same conference as teams like Hawaii, San Jose State, and UTEP.
It makes sense for the Mountain West, though. The league would span four time zones and it would be picking up a competitive football program. The Huskies have made 13 bowl games since 2008 and has won five MAC titles since 2011.
The Mountain West was also thinking about adding Toledo, but the Rockets’ interest has waned.
New Customer Offers at BetMGM
Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l Terms
How Much Will It Cost For Northern Illinois To Go To The Mountain West?
NIU will pay a $2 million membership fee to jump to the Mountain West, according to The Athletic.
When Could NIU Join The Mountain West?
Northern Illinois will begin competing in the Mountain West in 2026. Moves for teams leaving or joining the Mountain West have all been scheduled to go into effect that year.
Mountain West Teams Going To The Pac-12
San Diego State, Boise State, Colorado State, Utah State, and Fresno State are going from the Mountain West to the Pac-12 for football in 2026.
Teams In The Mountain West
UNLV, San Jose State, Hawaii, Wyoming, New Mexico, Nevada, and Air Force are Mountain West teams that appear to be staying put. UTEP will also be leaving Conference USA for the MW in 2026, giving the league eight full-time members.
UC Davis and Grand Canyon are joining the conference as non-football participants. It’s possible the Mountain West isn’t done adding football-only members as well.
What Does NIU Leaving Mean For The MAC?
This move could mean the MAC explores expansion of its own. Or it could mean the MAC doesn’t do anything at all.
The MAC was one of the conferences that hasn’t been affected by conference realignment much. The league was at 12 teams this football season, but it was going to be at 13 with UMass coming in next season after previously being an independent program.
Now with NIU gone, that would put the MAC back at 12 teams in the long-term. If the league did want to add more teams, UConn would be a good fit, as would some FCS programs like North Dakota State and South Dakota State.
Who’s In The MAC Now?
Ohio, Miami (Ohio), Buffalo, Bowling Green, Western Michigan, Toledo, Northern Illinois, Akron, Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan, Ball State, and Kent State were the 12 programs in the MAC this past season.
Mountain West’s TV Deal
The Mountain West agreed to a $270 million media rights deal in 2020 with CBS and FOX, per The Athletic. It would end after the 2025-26 season, so negotiations for the league’s next deal will be interesting. Teams were to be paid about $4 million per year.
