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MVFC, Summit League Officially Announce Partnership
The Missouri Valley Football Conference will undergo a new governance and operating structure, approved by the MVFC President’s Council.
The football-only league will be under a joint management model between the Missouri Valley Conference and the Summit League, creating a new governance and operating structure for the single-sport conference. This will improve the budget, operational efficiency, and brand growth.
HERO Sports first reported this enhanced MVFC-Summit League partnership last month.
As part of this announcement, Jeff Jackson has been named the next MVFC Commissioner, and Josh Fenton will be the Executive Advisor. Jackson has served as Commissioner of the MVC since 2021. He will assume his duties as MVFC Commissioner on July 1, 2025. Fenton has served as The Summit League’s Commissioner since 2023.
Current MVFC commissioner Patty Viverito is set to retire on June 30, 2025.
The MVFC has 10 members. North Dakota, North Dakota State, South Dakota, and South Dakota State play their other sports in the Summit League. Illinois State, Indiana State, Murray State, Northern Iowa, and Southern Illinois are in the MVC. And Youngstown State is in the Horizon League.
“I eagerly anticipate working with the MVFC Presidents Council, Summit League Commissioner Josh Fenton, and the Athletic Directors of the MVFC,” Jackson said. “This partnership will foster a mutually beneficial relationship between our two conferences, ensuring the continued success of the MVFC while establishing a stable framework for our membership. Our collective efforts will be instrumental in delivering an exceptional experience for student-athletes.”
“The Summit League and all its member institutions are excited for this new partnership with the Missouri Valley Conference to assist in the operations of the best FCS Football conference across the country,” Fenton said. “I look forward to working with Commissioner Jackson and his team to advance the interests of our football programs, while also continuing to build a strong Summit League.”
“This restructuring ensures the continued success and stability of the MVFC,” UND President Andy Armacost, who is currently serving as the MVFC President’s Chair, said. “By streamlining our management and enhancing collaboration among member institutions across three conferences – the Summit League, the Missouri Valley Conference, and the Horizon League – we are positioning ourselves for sustained growth and continued national prominence.”
As part of the newly adopted structure, the MVFC will remain an independent legal entity, distinct from its member institutions’ multisport conferences. The updated governance model includes a board of directors, executive committee, athletic director council, joint council, head coach council, and student-athlete advisory council.
The MVC and Summit League will play a role in administrative operations.
Fans may not notice much of a difference, as this is mostly behind-the-scenes changes to the day-to-day operations. But it could help in improving multimedia presence. The MVFC is also looking at doing an in-person media day this summer.
And the partnership could play a huge role in realignment.
The new partnership puts the Summit League in a position of power in adding new members, either from Utah or Texas, as new members would automatically have a spot in the MVFC.
Past Daily Doses
Richmond, William & Mary To Continue Rivalry Game + In-Helmet Communication Coming To The FCS … READ MORE
Considerable FBS-to-FCS Transfer Movement Coming This Spring … READ MORE
Montana State AD Leon Costello Discusses Opting In To The House Settlement … READ MORE
