North Dakota State Agrees to Join Mountain West Football in 2026 Expansion Deal

2026-02-09 general

Fargo, Sunday, 8 February 2026.
NDSU agrees to a strategic 2026 move to the Mountain West, costing nearly $17 million in combined fees to elevate the program into the higher-revenue FBS landscape.

Financial Commitment and Strategic Valuation

The agreement, which is reportedly set to be officially announced on Monday, February 9, 2026, marks a significant financial undertaking for the institution [1]. To secure its place in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), North Dakota State University (NDSU) is expected to pay an entry fee of nearly $12 million to the Mountain West Conference [1][2]. In addition to the conference fee, the university must remit a $5 million payment to the NCAA to facilitate the transition from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) [1][8]. This brings the total estimated initial cost for the move to 17 million, a figure that underscores the high stakes of modern collegiate athletic realignment.

Conference Realignment and Market Stability

This expansion is a critical stabilization maneuver for the Mountain West Conference, which has faced significant attrition during the recent cycle of realignment. The conference is preparing for the departure of five core members—Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Utah State—who are set to join the Pac-12 starting in 2026 [2][4]. By securing NDSU, along with the recent additions of UTEP and Northern Illinois (as a football-only member), the Mountain West ensures it will field 10 football teams for the 2026 season [1][5]. This roster stability is essential following the conference’s recently completed media rights negotiations; on February 3, 2026, the Mountain West finalized a television deal with Fox Sports, CBS Sports, and The CW that runs from the fall of 2026 through the summer of 2032 [4].

Competitive Profile and Future Logistics

From a competitive standpoint, the Bison offer the Mountain West a program with a proven history of dominance and a strong regional economic base. NDSU has won 10 of the last 15 FCS national championships and holds a respectable 9-5 record against FBS opponents since moving to the FCS level in 2004 [1][4]. Sources close to the negotiation have noted that the program’s financial resources were a key attraction, with one insider remarking that “Fargo has money” and the capacity to compete long-term [6]. While the university issued a statement on February 7 declining to comment on specific reports, officials acknowledged they are regularly involved in conversations regarding conference affiliation [7]. Logistically, the move will require scheduling adjustments; the Bison are currently scheduled to open the 2026 season against the University of the Incarnate Word on August 29, but the shift to a Mountain West slate will likely alter this itinerary [2]. NDSU’s non-football sports are expected to remain in the Summit League [5].

Sources

College Football Realignment