January 23, 2004

TCU to join Mountain West

After months of deliberating, university sources are now confirming that TCU will accept an invitation to join the Mountain West Conference. The Horned Frogs will begin play in the MWC in 2005.

An offer could be extended by the conference as early as Monday, but will definitely come prior to TCU's January 30th meeting of the Board of Trustees.

TCU would join Air Force, Brigham Young, Colorado State, New Mexico, San Diego State, Nevada-Las Vegas, Utah and Wyoming in a nine-team league.

The Frogs will have to pay the Mountain West approximately $1 million to join, plus at least $400,000 to leave Conference USA. C-USA could ask for additional compensation for anticipated revenue losses on TV contracts and other agreements.

In adding TCU, the Mountain West will now have one team in the Central Time Zone. I think they should look to add at least one more to broaden the conferences appeal, and impact some TV & travel considerations. Boise State has been mentioned and would be a good fit. The perennial WAC powerhouse has a good following, is located in the Central time zone, and (like TCU) hosts a bowl game on it's home field.

Louisiana Tech and North Texas have been mentioned as possible replacements for TCU in Conference USA.

The Mountain West is loading up for a run at a BCS berth. I think this is a great move for the Mountain West and for TCU.

Please note that all comments are subject to the Fanblogs Comment Policy.