Bye-Bye, Big East. San Diego State University has decided to follow Boise State’s move and stay in the Mountain West conference, the school’s athletic department announced on Wednesday.
The move helps the Aztecs avoid the implosion of the Big East conference that has suffered 13 recent defections.
After Boise State made its decision, SDSU faced a conference without another West Coast opponent. By staying in the MWC, the Aztecs are able to play opponents a little closer to home.
Remaining is a huge benefit to the men's basketball team, which will be able to maintain its main rivals, such as University of Las Vegas. The Wednesday night game between the two teams is sold out.
“The geographical fit blends nicely with our institutions,” said MWC Commissioner Craig Thompson.
Under the new agreement, the Aztecs will receive their revenue from the 2012-13 season, said a statement from the athletic department. Part of that revenue will be used to pay SDSU’s exit fee from the Big West Conference, which the basketball teams entered when the football team was heading to the Big East. The Aztecs will also not have to pay an exit fee to the Big East.
In 2012, SDSU won nine MW championships in seven sports, including football and men’s basketball. Head football coach Rocky Long was also named MWC coach of the year in December.
