San Diego State told its longstanding athletic conference on Friday that it is not withdrawing, despite recent correspondence that signaled the university’s intent.
The Associated Press cited a person with “direct knowledge” related to SDSU’s status in the Mountain West, who asked for anonymity due to the “sensitivity of the situation.”
The AP reported that San Diego State didn’t immediately respond to a Public Records Act request for a copy of the new letter it sent to MW officials.
ESPN and other outlets two weeks ago reported that SDSU President Adela de la Torre had sent a letter indicating the university’s intent to withdraw from the MW.
The Aztecs have played in the MW since 1999 as one of its founding members.
In the wake of the revelations, John David Wicker, SDSU’s athletic director, would only confirm that the university is exploring its options.
“As there has been a large amount of discussion about conference realignment nationally, we continue to do our due diligence to identify the best opportunity and fit in the interest of both our university and our student-athletes,” he told City News Service.
According to reports, reaction to de la Torre’s letter caused her to note that it wasn’t an official letter of resignation from the MW.
Observers have long focused on the Power 5 Pac-12 conference as the likeliest destination for San Diego State, especially with the loss of conference powerhouses UCLA and USC to the Big Ten.
The Pac-12’s future plans are linked to a new TV contract, that has yet to be finalized, the AP said.
San Diego State would have needed to give a year’s notice to withdraw next June. If it waits past June 30, an exit fee more than doubles to nearly $34 million, ESPN reported.
– Staff and wire reports
