It has been reported that the first payment is tied to poaching fees. There rest is following logical threads. Exit fees often are paid off over time in increments.
We know that we are getting extra money from the the conference from the the PAC fees. We know that we will get a lump sum in 2025. We know that we are due poaching fees around that time. We know that we will be then paid over time the rest from the exit fees. Again connecting dots, exit fees are often paid over time.
But by that logic, we know now that lump sum is tied to poaching fees that are now being disputed in a lawsuit. Also the report of 10-14 million, then 1.5-1.8 over 6 years was announced before the lawsuit
From Nevada Sportsnet:
4. Only $61 million promised: While the MW is in line to collect around $90 million in exit fees ($18 million per school for five schools), only $61 million in collected fees is promised to the remaining members in the first wave of payments using the following breakdown: 24.5 percent to Air Force and UNLV; 11.5 percent to Nevada, New Mexico, San Jose State and Wyoming; and 5 percent to Hawaii. That would give Nevada $7.015 million, down from $10.35 million if all $90 million in exit fees was collected and distributed. That "incentive payment" is due to schools July 1, 2026.
6. Pac-12 poaching penalty evenly dispersed: Any money collected by the MW after the first three pots will be dispersed at 15.83 percent per school except for Hawaii, which would get 5 percent. The largest sum of money that could fund those payments would be the Pac-12's $55 million poaching penalty for taking five MW schools, as outlined in the two leagues' football scheduling alliance. The Pac-12 has filed a lawsuit against the MW over the validity of that penalty. That would be an additional $8.7065 million per full member if all $55 million is collected. Additionally,the MW will play all legal fees and expenses incurred by the conference
8. Tournament in Las Vegas: The MW men's and women's basketball tournaments will remain in Las Vegas through the end of the contract (2032).
UNLV previously reported the tournaments would stay at the Rebels' Thomas & Mack Center, although the contract does not stipulate that. It simply says the tournaments will be played in Las Vegas. And I think Thomas & Mack is technically inParadise and not Las Vegas, but I digress. Not sure why UNLV put in its press release the tournaments will remain at Thomas & Mack while the contract says it will stay in Las Vegas as the tournaments could move to T-Mobile Arena or MGM Grand Arena and still stay in line with the contract.
UNLV's press release offered when signing the agreement stated the "
MW will pay an estimated lump sum of $10-to-14 million to UNLV in 2025, and also pay UNLV approximately $1.5-to-1.8 million annually over a six-year period beginning in July 2026." That early payment is not outlined in the contract.
So at least according to this reporting initial payments are coming from exit fees, which are being withheld. It says payments start in 2026, while UNLV says 2025. I’ve also seen it reported as “on OR before July 1, 2026”.
So it seems that the only money they’re counting on is the money being withheld, which appears to be $61 million. 5 schools x $6.1 mil per year = $61 million.
Is it 2025 or 2026? No idea.
