Northern Illinois reportedly is still thinking about a conference move.
Multiple media reports have indicated the Mountain West has extended an invite to NIU, and the Huskies are still strongly considering going to the MW (only for football) and leaving the MAC.
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Here’s more about the situation.
Northern Illinois’ Potential Mountain West Move
There’s plenty for the Huskies to consider if they’re going to make 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. Though no potential financial arrangements have been widely reported, if NIU were to go to the Mountain West, the Huskies would likely be aiming to make more than they would be by simply staying in the MAC.
Travel would obviously have to be considered as well. Currently, the MAC is one of the most logical conferences in the FBS in terms of geography.
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.
The Mountain West reportedly was also exploring adding Toledo, but the Rockets’ interest appears to have lessened.
NIU Football Stadium Capacity & Attendance
NIU plays at Huskie Stadium, which has a capacity of 23,595. NIU’s average attendance for home games was 12,162.
That put the Huskies ninth in the MAC and last among teams currently in the Mountain West.
When Could NIU Join The Mountain West?
Northern Illinois would likely begin competing in the Mountain West in 2026 if the Huskies made the change. 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 the teams from the Mountain West going to the Pac-12 in 2026.
More could be joining them soon, as the Pac-12 added Gonzaga for basketball.
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 also recently announced it was going to the Mountain West for all sports except football. The Aggies will continue competing in the FCS in that sport.
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. Teams were to be paid about $4 million per year.
