Visiting Boise State, new commissioner says Mountain West is prepared if members leave

Boise State was the latest stop on what new Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez has called her listening tour.

Nevarez, who was hired in November and took over Jan. 1, plans to visit all 12 schools in the conference. She’s been checking them off the list since December and she said she’s been impressed by each member’s clear vision for the future.

“There’s a high level of awareness from each school about where they need to be,” Nevarez told reporters on Friday. “They have a clear vision of what they need to get there, and we’re here to support them.”

Nevarez actually made her second visit to Boise State on Friday. She was on campus in December when the Broncos hosted Fresno State in the Mountain West football championship game.

Much of Friday’s discussion revolved around conference expansion, which was back in headlines this week. Pac-12 Commissioner George Kliavkoff was spotted at an SMU basketball game on Wednesday, lending credence to reports that the conference — which is losing stalwarts USC and UCLA — is close to adding the Mustangs and San Diego State.

Which teams would be attractive if Pac-12 or Big 12 expand? Where does Boise State fit?

Nevarez didn’t seem overly concerned about the Aztecs’ possible defection, saying she’s been in close contact with officials at San Diego State and the Mountain West is prepared for whatever happens.

“On the one hand, you don’t want to lose any schools, but on the other, we understand that institutions have to do what’s best for their programs, so let’s communicate,” she said. “This is our new normal. The Mountain West was the original disruptor back in the day when forming this conference. I think every conference commissioner is thinking about this issue weekly.”

Nevarez said a membership subcommittee has been formed to analyze and compare member schools, prepare a contingency plan if some do leave and explore whether the conference wants to add to its ranks even if no schools leave.

Boise State President Marlene Tromp is a member of the committee, and Nevarez said the three university presidents and three athletic directors who make up the panel have already met once.

“We’re ready for scenario A, B, C, D — Armageddon,” Nevarez said.

Nevarez didn’t go into specifics about a plan to add schools, but she did say that expanding to as many as 16 members makes her nervous. Staying at 10 to 12 is the Mountain West’s sweet spot, she said.

“Even if we lose a couple schools, we’ll be OK,” Nevarez said. “There’s no shortage of schools interested in joining us, and whenever you’re in the market, it’s good to have market power.”

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Broncos announce another big donation

Boise State received a $1 million donation that will go toward future capital projects, Athletic Director Jeramiah Dickey announced Friday.

The donor prefers to remain anonymous, according to the university. It’s the 10th gift of at least $1 million the athletic department has received since December 2020.

“On behalf of our student-athletes, coaches and staff, thank you,” Dickey said in a statement. “Thank you for demonstrating your commitment and leading by example. You are sending a message to current and future student-athletes that Boise State is the right choice. Everything counts. Everything matters.”