Mountain West Eyes NIU, Toledo for 2026 Football-Only Membership, Expands to Central Time Zone

Sep 27, 2024, 12:52 AM

The Mountain West Conference (MW) has notified the Mid-American Conference (MAC) of its interest in adding Northern Illinois University (NIU) and the University of Toledo as football-only members starting in 2026, sources told @ActionNetworkHQ. This move aims to expand the MW's presence into the Central Time Zone, potentially increasing future media rights value. NIU and Toledo have a strong football history, having combined for seven of the last thirteen MAC titles. The potential realignment has sparked significant reactions, with many expressing concerns over disrupting the traditional structure and integrity of the MAC.