UTEP is the latest to cash in on conference realignment with sources confirming to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football that the Miners are leaving Conference USA for a spot in the new-look Mountain West. UTEP joined CUSA in 2004 after the WAC split. The Miners reunite with former conference mates such as Nevada and San Jose State. 

UTEP has told Conference USA of its intentions and the deal should be announced later today. The estimated buyout for CUSA is roughly $2 million. 

A richer television contract as MWC members and easier travel were determining factors for UTEP, sources tell DCTF. The CUSA television deal paid each member roughly $400,000-$500,000 per year. The MWC deal is expected to be $4 million or more. UTEP was the second westernmost CUSA squad and the closest team to El Paso excluding New Mexico State was over 800 miles away. Joining a conference with Nevada, UNLV and Air Force is much easier on the student-athletes – and the budget – than a conference with FIU and Liberty. 

The MWC stood at six full-time members plus Hawaii in a football-only capacity. An FBS conference requires eight full-time members to qualify for the postseason. That means UTEP won’t be the only new program in the fold. Texas State received an offer last weekend and a decision is expected from the Bobcats soon. 

The news was first reported by the Action Network.