In an effort to strengthen its membership, the Mountain West Conference has brought in a familiar partner.

On Tuesday, the league confirmed the addition of Hawai’i as a full-time member, effective July 1, 2026.

The Rainbow Warriors have competed in football as a member of the Mountain West since 2012, while most of their other sports teams have participated in the Big West Conference.

“Hawai‘i has been an excellent football-only member since 2012, and we’re thrilled to incorporate their renowned national presence into all Mountain West sports,” stated Mountain West commissioner Gloria Nevarez. “As the leading institution in the islands, known for outstanding academics and a rich athletic tradition, we are eager to offer their student-athletes remarkable educational and athletic experiences.”

The addition of Hawaii comes at a crucial time for the Mountain West.

Now that Hawai’i is joining, the Mountain West will have eight full-time members, meeting the NCAA’s minimum requirement for a recognized conference.

The conference may pursue further expansion to support an eight-game football schedule, ensuring that each team plays against one another. They are reportedly considering Northern Illinois and Toledo from the Mid-American Conference as potential football-only additions. Recently, Yahoo Sports mentioned that discussions have been serious regarding adding Tarleton State, a Texas school competing at the FCS level.

Following commitments from its six remaining members, the conference welcomed UTEP from Conference USA before deciding to add Hawaii.

The Mountain West has undergone significant changes after losing five members—San Diego State, Boise State, Fresno State, Colorado State, and Utah State—to the Pac-12. Currently, the Pac-12 is still one member short of satisfying the NCAA’s minimum membership criteria.

Current Members of the Mountain West

With the announcement of Hawai’i’s full-time membership on Tuesday, the Mountain West will look like this after the departure of five schools to the Pac-12 and the addition of its two newest members:

• UNLV
• Air Force
• Wyoming
• New Mexico
• Nevada
• San José State
• UTEP*
• Hawai’i*

*Joining in advance of the 2026-27 athletic year