I don't know all the ins and outs and really don't care to but it seems the PAC-2 should just bring in the entire MWC and be done with it. If they want to have their cake, they'll have to eat a couple programs they may not want. I don't know if the MWC can dissolve with a majority vote so they can leave a couple of programs behind or if it requires 100%. But the PAC-2 plus MWC would be 14. It would probably be the 5th best football conference and could look to poach programs if it wants to.
C’mon guys. It’s so simple. Maybe you need a refresher course. It’s all ball bearings these days.
They just have to wait out the MW conference a little to avoid the poached teams paying exit fees. Poached AAC teams have less strings attached.
For 2025:
8 full member teams only, minimum conf requirement.
Oregon State
Washington State
Rice
Tulane
USF
Temple
UMass
Delaware
Affiliate Football:
Army (Patriot)
Navy (Patriot)
UConn (Big East)
Nova (Big East)
Then, Aug 2, 2027 the MWC invites go out to San Diego State, Fresno State, Boise State, and Colorado State. USF, Temple, UMass, and UD go to the A10 but stay as affiliate FB:
Western Division: 8 full members
Oregon State
Washington State
San Diego State
Fresno State
Boise State
Colorado State
Rice
Tulane
Eastern Division, 8 FB affiliates.
Army - Patriot (FB only)
Navy - Patriot (FB only)
UConn - Big East (FB only)
Nova - Big East (FB only)
Temple - A10 (FB only)
UMass - A10 (FB only)
Delaware - A10 (FB only)
USF - A10 (FB only)
The PAC has a 2024 plan with a MWC contract.
For 2025-2026, the PAC has 8 full members plus 4 affiliate members. It meets NCAA requirements and stays alive without stepping on its MWC commitment.
For 2027 forward, 8 full members + 8 east coast affiliate members. Texas/NOLA stays west. Florida stays east.
The AAC can be poached without any financial hurdles.
The east coast affiliates are the Mass-NY-Phila-DC mega market plus Florida.
With east coast affiliates the PAC can safely stay at 8 full members without unnecessary west coast dilution. Zags and St Mary’s are invited as members, non-football, for a 10 team basketball schedule.