What is the story about?
What's Happening?
The Mountain West Conference has announced its 2025-26 men's basketball schedule, featuring extensive national television coverage. CBS Sports will broadcast 47 games, including the Mountain West Men's Basketball Championship, which will be held from March 11-14 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. The championship game will be aired on CBS, CBS Sports Network, and streamed on Paramount+. Additionally, FOX Sports will televise 24 games, with broadcasts available on FS1, the FOX Sports App, and FOXSports.com. The conference will follow a 20-game format, with each team playing 10 home and 10 away games. Conference play begins on December 17 and concludes on March 7, determining seeding for the championship.
Why It's Important?
The announcement of the Mountain West Conference's basketball schedule is significant for several reasons. It highlights the growing visibility and importance of college basketball, with major networks like CBS and FOX providing extensive coverage. This increased exposure can enhance the profile of the conference and its teams, potentially attracting more fans and boosting recruitment efforts. The televised games offer a platform for athletes to showcase their talents on a national stage, which can lead to professional opportunities. Additionally, the schedule's structure ensures competitive balance and fair play, contributing to the integrity of the sport.
What's Next?
As the 2025-26 season approaches, teams within the Mountain West Conference will prepare for the upcoming games, focusing on training and strategy to compete effectively. Coaches and players will analyze the schedule to optimize their performance against various opponents. Fans can anticipate exciting matchups and the potential for standout performances. The conference's decision to televise games on major networks may lead to increased sponsorship and advertising opportunities, benefiting the league financially. Stakeholders will monitor the impact of the expanded coverage on viewership and engagement throughout the season.
Beyond the Headlines
The extensive television coverage of the Mountain West Conference's basketball games may influence broader trends in college sports broadcasting. As networks invest in showcasing college athletics, other conferences might seek similar deals to enhance their visibility. This could lead to a shift in how college sports are marketed and consumed, with potential implications for media rights negotiations and the financial landscape of collegiate athletics. The focus on national broadcasts underscores the importance of media partnerships in elevating the status of college sports.
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