What's Happening?
The Mountain West Conference has finalized a new media rights agreement with CBS Sports, extending their partnership through the 2031-32 season. This deal ensures that 15 regular-season Mountain West football games will be broadcast across CBS platforms, including CBS, CBS Sports Network, and streaming on Paramount+ Premium. Additionally, 18 men's basketball games and the Mountain West men's basketball tournament will be featured on CBS Sports Network, with the championship game airing on CBS. The agreement also includes at least two regular-season women's basketball games and the women's basketball conference title game on CBS Sports Network. The conference has also secured six-year partnerships with FOX Sports and Kiswe, and a five-year agreement with the CW
Network. The new deal comes as the league prepares for a significant membership shift in 2026, with several teams departing for the Pac-12 and new members joining.
Why It's Important?
This media rights agreement is significant as it enhances the visibility and reach of the Mountain West Conference's sports programs. By securing long-term partnerships with major broadcasters like CBS Sports and FOX Sports, the conference ensures that its games will be accessible to a broad audience, potentially increasing fan engagement and revenue. The inclusion of streaming services through Kiswe also reflects a strategic move to adapt to changing media consumption habits, offering fans more flexible viewing options. The deal's timing is crucial as the conference undergoes a major membership transition, which could impact its competitive landscape and marketability. The stability provided by these media agreements may help the conference navigate these changes while maintaining its national profile.
What's Next?
As the Mountain West Conference prepares for its membership changes in 2026, the focus will likely shift to integrating new teams and maximizing the benefits of its media partnerships. The conference will need to ensure that the transition of teams like UTEP, UC Davis, and Hawaii into full membership is smooth and that the new media platforms effectively showcase all 21 sports offered by the league. Stakeholders, including university athletic departments and fans, will be watching closely to see how these changes impact the conference's competitive dynamics and financial health. The success of the new streaming service with Kiswe will also be a key area to monitor, as it represents a significant expansion of the conference's digital presence.
