Mountain West Approaches Pac-12 About Partnership For Nonconference Scheduling

Mountain West Conference Commissioner Craig Thompson said that his league has "approached the Pac-12 about what he calls a 'best practices' connection -- sort of a West Coast alliance for nonconference scheduling, sharing of officials, and bowl matchups," according to Jeremy Fowler of CBSSPORTS.com. Thompson said that there is "nothing official but thinks the Pac-12 is receptive to the idea." Fowler noted this could be a "way for both leagues to cut travel costs." The MWC and Pac-12 "currently share New Mexico and Las Vegas Bowl tie-ins." The ACC and Big 12 "also are exploring an alliance" (CBSSPORTS.com, 4/24). In San Diego, Stefanie Loh wrote it "doesn't hurt" that the MWC re-negotiated its TV rights deal with CBS Sports Network, and signed a secondary deal with ESPN. From a non-conference scheduling point of view, this "potential partnership makes a ton of sense." And it is "not really a new concept" (UTSANDIEGO.com, 4/24).