College football programs across the country are now in preparation mode for their first games which begin on the final weekend of August for some and the first weekend of September for others. 

For programs as part of the Mountain West they will be getting a few more dollars added to their accounts as the settlement numbers between the league and the five departing members of Utah State, San Diego State, Fresno State, colorado state and Boise State have been released. A total of $49 million will go to the conference from those schools as part of a buyout clause in their respective contracts. This works out to $9.8 per school in terms of amount owed. The Mountain West had already been withholding funds leading up to the official split which took place on July 1. This total represents a settlement based on the potential of paying up to $17 million per school. 

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This does not include any potential money that could be paid to the Mountain West regarding the poaching fees and a contract between them and the Pac-12 who consisted of just Washington State and Oregon State at the time. 

Speculation on that amount is still unconfirmed but rumors circulate it could be in the $20 million range. This stems from a scheduling agreement between the schools in the wake of the breakup of the Pac-12 and the two schools needing games on their slate. Upon discussion to renew that original agreement, the two sides saw things fall apart as the Mountain West was looking for a reported $28 million while the two Pac schools were looking to spend $6 million. 

Of the $49 million in buyout fees, UNLV and Air Force will receive the lion’s share as they negotiated a larger percentage in the tenuous days of conference realignment. Each will get 24.5% or just over $12 million.  Nevada, New Mexico, San Jose State and Wyoming will each get 11.5% which equates to just over $5.6 million. Hawaii will receive 5% or $2.45 million. 

The Wyoming Cowboys face off against colorado state on September 5 in a season-opening clash between the two new-look leagues. Listen to the Cowboys all season long on The Spur throughout southwest Wyoming.