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New MWC Possibility:

Would this be better for UTEP?

  • Yes

    Votes: 37 92.5%
  • No

    Votes: 3 7.5%

  • Total voters
    40
We truly are lucky that it happened
Here’s the thing - “WE” don’t like CUSA because we were in the WAC with BYU, Utah, TCU, Fresno and others. Then we were in CUSA when Memphis, Houston, UCF, SMU, and others were there. Now we’re with San Jose St and Wyoming, but it feels like an upgrade.
 
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Here’s the thing - “WE” don’t like CUSA because we were in the WAC with BYU, Utah, TCU, Fresno and others. Then we were in CUSA when Memphis, Houston, UCF, SMU, and others were there. Now we’re with San Jose St and Wyoming, but it feels like an upgrade.
The TV revenue will say it's an upgrade. Money saved on travel costs will help too. A conference tournament in Vegas vs a small city in Alabama says it's an upgrade. San Jose and Wyoming are better brands than most CUSA schools. UNLV, UNM, and AF are absolutely better brands than most, If not all, CUSA schools. Established FBS schools vs schools that have barley moved up from FCS is an upgrade. Facilities are absolutely an upgrade. Cities and TV markets are overall better. Most MWC schools, like us, own our respective TV markets, while teams like FIU aren't even the 3rd choice in their markets. Playing on Saturdays vs Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays is an upgrade. If it looks like an upgrade, if it walks like an upgrade, if it smells like like an upgrade, then...
 
The TV revenue will say it's an upgrade. Money saved on travel costs will help too. A conference tournament in Vegas vs a small city in Alabama says it's an upgrade. San Jose and Wyoming are better brands than most CUSA schools. UNLV, UNM, and AF are absolutely better brands than most, If not all, CUSA schools. Established FBS schools vs schools that have barley moved up from FCS is an upgrade. Facilities are absolutely an upgrade. Cities and TV markets are overall better. Most MWC schools, like us, own our respective TV markets, while teams like FIU aren't even the 3rd choice in their markets. Playing on Saturdays vs Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays is an upgrade. If it looks like an upgrade, if it walks like an upgrade, if it smells like like an upgrade, then...
And UTEP will get games in California again (I hope the MWC adds Sac State for that reason, down the road once the TV contract is renewed). UTEP can start recruiting California again and the Cali alumni can get opportunities to go see games again.

MWC games will not only be on Saturday mainly, but the games will be much easier to get on TruTV, TNT, Fox, CW. MWC just needs to get a couple CTZ teams, preferably one in Texas.

Even with the losses of SDSU, BSU, CSU and FSU, the basketball profile of the MWC is much stronger than CUSA. UNM is going to be a tournament team every year. Nevada, Wyoming and UNLV have had historic or recent success. It'll be good for UTEP. Hopefully our basketball program gets it's crap together.

And Gloria is a much better commissioner than Judy is.
 
The TV revenue will say it's an upgrade. Money saved on travel costs will help too. A conference tournament in Vegas vs a small city in Alabama says it's an upgrade. San Jose and Wyoming are better brands than most CUSA schools. UNLV, UNM, and AF are absolutely better brands than most, If not all, CUSA schools. Established FBS schools vs schools that have barely moved up from FCS is an upgrade. Facilities are absolutely an upgrade. Cities and TV markets are overall better. Most MWC schools, like us, own our respective TV markets, while teams like FIU aren't even the 3rd choice in their markets. Playing on Saturdays vs Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays is an upgrade. If it looks like an upgrade, if it walks like an upgrade, if it smells like like an upgrade, then...
MWC plays games on Thursdays and Fridays, as do P4 teams. Only the MAC, Sun Belt, and CUSA play on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

The current MWC deal ends next season. It’s still possible the MWC plays Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I wouldn’t definitely say the MWC won’t be playing those when UTEP joins.
 
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MWC plays games on Thursdays and Fridays, as do P4 teams. Only the MAC, Sun Belt, and CUSA play on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

The current MWC deal ends next season. It’s still possible the MWC plays Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I wouldn’t definitely say the MWC won’t be playing those when UTEP joins.
Ok with those two points conceded, it's still an upgrade for us.
 
So what do you think of this possible addition?

LOVE it. Huge enrollment. Huge student body participation in their basketball program from what I've seen. Could be our next real "fierce rival" to replace La Tech. Ok, just teasing my tongues speaking friend Mr. 2Step with that comment. But I do think they could become a real basketball rival if we ever get our shit together.
 
LOVE it. Huge enrollment. Huge student body participation in their basketball program from what I've seen. Could be our next real "fierce rival" to replace La Tech. Ok, just teasing my tongues speaking friend Mr. 2Step with that comment. But I do think they could become a real basketball rival if we ever get our shit together.
It’s another drivable game for El Paso fans. Could be a “fierce rival” lol
 
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LOVE it. Huge enrollment. Huge student body participation in their basketball program from what I've seen. Could be our next real "fierce rival" to replace La Tech. Ok, just teasing my tongues speaking friend Mr. 2Step with that comment. But I do think they could become a real basketball rival if we ever get our shit together.
After last night, f'em. Let them enjoy the FCS startups.

Now towards the future. That would good for basketball.
 
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We will assume the GCU and NIU/Toledo adds go through as speculated.

2026 MWC:
UNLV
Air Force
Wyoming
New Mexico
Nevada
San Jose St
Hawaii
UTEP
Northern Illinois (FB)
Toledo (FB)
Grand Canyon (BB)

10 football teams and then you can have an 8 game conference schedule. 9 basketball teams will allow you to have a 16 game conference schedule.
 
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We will assume the GCU and NIU/Toledo adds go through as speculated.

2026 MWC:
UNLV
Air Force
Wyoming
New Mexico
Nevada
San Jose St
Hawaii
UTEP
Northern Illinois (FB)
Toledo (FB)
Grand Canyon (BB)

10 football teams and then you can have an 8 game conference schedule. 9 basketball teams will allow you to have a 16 game conference schedule.
Current records

UNLV 6-1
San Jose St 5-2
Toledo 5-2
NIU 4-3
UNM 3-4
Nevada 3-5
Hawaii 2-5
Air Force 1-6
Wyoming 1-6
UTEP 1-7
 
So what do you think of this possible addition?
I think it would be a great addition for basketball. They bring in more clout, a fan base, Phoenix, they are still in the mountain time zone, they will have big crowds for the tournament in Vegas, and they are a Southwest $59 flight/4 hour drive from EP in case we want to go. I hope it happens
 
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