Make it 8: Mountain West adds another full-time member

Hawaii has agreed to become the eighth full-time member of the Mountain West, the league announced Tuesday.

Hawaii’s football team plays in the Mountain West, but the school currently competes in the Big West for all other sports. That will change July 1, 2026.

“The University of Hawaii is honored to accept full membership in the Mountain West Conference, marking a pivotal moment in our athletic program’s history,” school president David Lassner said in a statement. “This expanded partnership will build upon our strong football relationship and securely position us to thrive with our Mountain West colleagues in the incredibly dynamic landscape of intercollegiate athletics.”

The Mountain West has been trying to secure one more full-time member beginning in the 2026-27 school year. The NCAA minimum for an official conference is eight schools.

Hawaii athletic director Craig Angelos confirmed to the Review-Journal last week that the school had been extended an offer and negotiations were ongoing.

The deal was finalized Monday night.

“This is a momentous day for University of Hawaii athletics,” Angelos said in a statement. “We’ve had the privilege of being a football-only member in the Mountain West for the last dozen years. Now the majority of our sports will enjoy the same experience of competing in this exceptional conference. Joining the Mountain West allows us to renew historic rivalries, creates opportunities for increased exposure and provides stability in the constantly evolving world of collegiate athletics.”

It’s unknown whether the Mountain West is done adding schools. Bringing in Hawaii at least allows the league to be patient. It was left scrambling to fill its ranks after five schools announced in September they intended to join the Pac-12 in 2026.

UNLV rejected an invitation from the Pac-12 and instead received a large financial package to remain in the Mountain West along with Air Force, New Mexico, San Jose State, UNR and Wyoming. UTEP agreed Oct. 1 to join the league.

“We are thrilled to welcome the University of Hawaii to the Mountain West as a full-time member,” league commissioner Gloria Nevarez said in a statement. “Hawaii has been a tremendous football-only member since 2012, and we’re excited to add their incredible national brand across all sports. As the flagship institution on the islands, with extraordinary academics and a celebrated athletics tradition, we look forward to providing their student-athletes with exceptional educational and athletic experiences.”

Hawaii will owe the Big West a $750,000 exit fee.

The Pac-12 still needs one more member to reach the NCAA minimum after poaching Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State and Utah State from the Mountain West. Oregon State and Washington State were the only Pac-12 schools remaining after realignment cost the league 10 schools.

Hawaii had informal discussions with the Pac-12, but did not receive an official offer to join the conference.

Contact Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AdamHillLVRJ on X.