UNLV: Conference realignment decisions, basketball on the horizon

What a month it has been for UNLV. There is no shortage of words to describe the roller coaster of headlines from the university. 

The athletic program was the center of attention in college football after an NIL dispute. At the same time, the university had a crucial decision to make: commit to the Mountain West Conference or join an uncertain, restructuring Pac-12 Conference.

Conference realignment has shaken up the NCAA. Schools are seeking larger markets and making moves for competitive gain. 

Just earlier this month, the Pac-12 announced the addition of San Diego State, Fresno State, Colorado State and Boise State in 2026-27 to join Washington State and Oregon State. 

Each school is expected to pay $18 million as an exit fee to the Mountain West Conference. The Pac-12 will likely pay $40 million in poaching fees, as stated in the scheduling agreement for this season. 

A few weeks later, Utah State announced its commitment to the Pac-12, leaving each conference with seven full-time members. 

UNLV wasn’t included in the first wave of negotiations for reasons unknown. Las Vegas is becoming the sports capital of the world, making it an enticing market. I It doesn’t appear that UNLV will change conferences soon, though. 

UNLV, after hearing about the move from Utah State, later announced its full commitment to the Mountain West, along with the Air Force. 

After the announcement, UNLV released the following statement: 

“We believe continuing our membership with the Mountain West Conference offers needed stability and increased flexibility during a dynamic period in college athletics and positions UNLV for success today and beyond,” President Keith Whitfield said. “UNLV’s continued growth and ascension into a top national research university, combined with world-class athletics facilities and championship-level programs, are indicative of an institution and athletics department on the rise. We’re always looking toward the future, and we’re committed to doing what’s best for our university, UNLV Athletics and our student-athletes, and our alumni and community.” 

Programs committed to the Mountain West will use the exit fees of $18-$20 million per MWC school leaving to the Pac-12 to put together packages for UNLV and the other schools remaining in the conference. 

The Mountain West offered UNLV a lump sum payment totaling $24 million from the exit fees to be paid out in 2025. On top of the one-time payment, UNLV will receive an annual payment of $1.5-$1.8 million from potential poaching fees for the next six years starting in 2026. 

The Pac-12 has opened a lawsuit against the Mountain West over the poaching fees, so payment could be altered or removed depending on the legal proceedings. 

With football season in full effect, college basketball is right around the corner. The Runnin’ Rebels are less than 30 days away from their home opener against Alabama State. 

UNLV head coach Kevin Kruger isn’t worried about conference realignment right now, however.

“If you ask me anything outside of UNLV basketball in October, September, to put it bluntly, I really don’t care,” he said.

The Runnin’ Rebels have had moderate success in the Kruger era in the Mountain West. Each year, the team’s record has improved and the program has notched some notable wins. 

In Kruger’s three years as head coach, he has led UNLV to two finishes in the upper half of the conference and byes in the Mountain West Conference Tournament. 

Kruger isn’t distracted by the outside noise because he believes this year’s team can take another step forward and compete in a tough Mountain West Conference. 

“We’ve got this group of guys on this team to worry about and how we’re going to win games this year,” Kruger said.

UNLV remaining in the Mountain West provides a sense of comfort in the familiarity of the opponents. Staying put ensures similar matchups, like the annual rivalry game between UNLV and Nevada.

College basketball tips off on Nov. 4, as teams prepare for the journey to the NCAA Tournament in March. UNLV will open its season against Alabama State at home in the Thomas and Mack Center on Nov. 4, with the exact tip-off time yet to be announced.