Mountain West announces finalized 2024 scheduling agreement with Oregon State, Washington State

Oregon State, Washington State and the Mountain West Conference have finalized a scheduling agreement for 2024.

“The Mountain West Conference announced today a football scheduling agreement for the 2024 season between the Mountain West, Oregon State University, Washington State University, and the Pac-12 Conference,” a press release from the Mountain West Conference read.

“Next season, all 12 MW teams will play seven traditional Conference football games in addition to one contest against either Washington State or Oregon State for a total of eight games (four home and four away). The games against OSU and WSU will not count toward the conference standings, and neither Pac-12 school is eligible for the MW championship game. The Mountain West is currently working on the football schedule and will release matchups soon.”

Per a report earlier in the week from Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger, the scheduling alliance is built around a 7+1 format, and neither Oregon State nor Washington State will be eligible for the MWC Championship Game.

“The agreement, for now just one season, is expected to include a fee of about $14 million paid to the Mountain West. … The alliance is built around what’s termed a ‘7+1’ format where Mountain West teams play seven conference games — not eight — plus one game against either Washington State or Oregon State. There is an option to extend the deal to the 2025 season as well,” Dellenger wrote. “The two Pac-12 members will not be eligible for the MWC championship and will compete as quasi-independents under the Pac-12 banner. Those Mountain West schools with previously scheduled non-conference games against one of the two schools will play the other as well during the same season.

“While there is not expected to be a contractual requirement for a long-term merger between the two entities, there is an intent and understanding of full-time membership for OSU and WSU in the Mountain West or a merger.”

Moreover, Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez was extremely excited to announce the news of the alliance.

“This is a unique and unprecedented opportunity for Oregon State and Washington State to play against highly competitive Mountain West football programs in 2024,” said Nevarez, via the press release. “The scheduling agreement will expand the Mountain West footprint and enhance our national brand, while providing our student-athletes with new opportunities, all in line with our strategic priorities.

“The scheduling agreement strengthens the league’s non-conference schedules, and we look forward to having Oregon State and Washington State be a part of the 2024 slate.”

Alas, the college football world now knows what Oregon State and Washington State are planning for 2024, but beyond remains to be seen.