LAS VEGAS — The Mountain West Conference (MWC) is weighing the fate of its annual football championship game following the College Football Playoff’s decision to double the playoff field from 12 to 24 teams beginning with the 2027‑28 season. The expansion, announced Monday, will also see the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC eliminate their own championship games to accommodate new scheduling demands.
Conference officials assess impact on student‑athletes and bowl landscape
MWC spokesperson Stuart Buchanan told News 3 that the league has begun a thorough analysis of how the new playoff format could affect its member schools. “Today’s announcement represents a significant change to the structure of the college football postseason landscape,” Buchanan said. “We will continue the analysis of this development with our member institutions and stakeholders, including consideration of the impacts on student‑athletes, scheduling, the bowl ecosystem and the annual Mountain West Football Championship Game.”
The Mountain West has held a championship game each season since 2013, with UNLV appearing in the last three contests and falling to Boise State each time. One of those title games was staged at Allegiant Stadium in 2023, highlighting the conference’s ability to attract major venues.
Why the playoff expansion matters for the Mountain West
Expanding the CFP to 24 teams creates additional at‑large spots, potentially opening a pathway for a Mountain West champion to earn a playoff berth. However, the simultaneous removal of power‑conference championship games could compress the overall schedule, forcing the MWC to reconsider the timing and financial viability of its own title showdown.
For Nevada fans, the question is whether the conference will preserve the tradition of a postseason showdown that showcases local talent and draws regional attention, or whether it will adapt the format to align with the new national playoff calendar.
Local implications and fan perspective
Las Vegas residents and university supporters have come to expect a high‑stakes championship game that brings excitement to the city and boosts local businesses. The potential loss or alteration of that event would affect not only the athletes but also hotels, restaurants, and vendors that benefit from the influx of fans.
“Our community values the championship game as a celebration of hard work and faith‑based perseverance,” said a UNLV alumni group representative. “We hope the conference finds a solution that honors our student‑athletes and the families who travel to support them.”
Next steps for the Mountain West
The conference says it will continue discussions with member institutions, the NCAA and the CFP committee over the coming months. A formal decision on the championship game’s future is expected before the 2026‑27 season schedule is finalized.
Stakeholders are encouraged to submit feedback through the MWC’s official website, where a public comment period will be announced. As the landscape of college football evolves, the Mountain West aims to protect the interests of its student‑athletes, preserve regional traditions, and remain competitive on the national stage.
Original reporting: News 3 KSNV Las Vegas (local) — read the source article.
