What's Happening?
The Mountain West Conference has announced its comprehensive broadcast package for the 2026 football season, featuring a total of 62 games, with 41 of these being aired on national television. The CBS Sports Network will televise 14 games, while the CBS Television
Network will broadcast one game. The FOX Sports family of networks is set to air 13 games, including two on FOX, and The CW will cover 13 contests. Additionally, MW+, the conference's new subscription platform, will stream 21 games. The national television slate kicks off in Week 0 on August 29, 2026, with North Dakota State hosting Jacksonville State on CBS Sports Network. The season opener for the conference, UNLV at Hawai‘i, will be broadcast on The CW on September 5, 2026. The Mountain West Football Championship Game is scheduled to be televised on FOX on December 4, 2026.
Why It's Important?
This extensive broadcast package highlights the growing visibility and popularity of the Mountain West Conference in college football. By securing national television slots, the conference enhances its exposure, potentially attracting more fans and increasing its marketability. This visibility can lead to increased revenue through advertising and sponsorships, benefiting the conference and its member schools financially. The inclusion of a new subscription platform, MW+, indicates a strategic move to adapt to changing media consumption habits, offering fans more flexible viewing options. The national coverage also provides a platform for athletes to showcase their talents on a larger stage, which could impact recruitment and the future success of the teams involved.
What's Next?
As the season progresses, the Mountain West Conference will continue to finalize and announce specific game times and additional broadcast details, particularly for games selected by MW+. The conference's ability to maintain and potentially expand its national television presence will be crucial in sustaining its growth and competitiveness in the college football landscape. Stakeholders, including university athletic departments and sponsors, will likely monitor the viewership and engagement metrics closely to assess the success of this broadcast strategy.
