Move to Conference USA will cost New Mexico State $1.5 million over six years

LAS CRUCES - The move to Conference USA will cost New Mexico State $1.5 million in entrance fees to be paid over a six-year period.

NM State will also pay the Western Athletic Conference an $85,000 exit fee due by March 2022.

But only $335,000 during that time period will come from the school.

According to the membership agreement with Conference USA, signed on Friday, New Mexico State will pay $250,000 prior to June 30, 2022. NM State will not be required to pay the league fee in 2023, but will pay $250,000 each year from 2024-2028, but the final four payments will come from distribution revenue from C-USA.

NM State athletic director Mario Moccia said the exit fee for the WAC will come from the athletics budget while Moccia said it is not currently clear how the first $250,000 payment to C-USA will be paid.

"Our budget is very flexible so we will definitely find the money," Moccia said. "We have monthly budget meetings with the leadership so whether it's directly from intercollegiate athletics or university assistance, the bills will be paid in time. I think (the investment) is unbelievably valuable."

As a Conference USA member, New Mexico State athletics will be able to increase its overall athletics budget due to College Football Playoff distribution, which would likely be at least $1 million per year. In that scenario, NM State would receive a minimum of $750,000 after receiving just $300,000 as a FBS independent for the football team reaching the APR standard.

"I can't predict the future (of the CFP), but I'm excited to be part of that group," Moccia said.

The Conference USA television deal also pays schools approximately $500,000 per year, in addition to current bowl tie ins with seven bowl games currently.

"Conference realignment is really football driven and football dictated and this is no different," Moccia said. "As an independent, putting a schedule together is not the easiest thing at New Mexico State. We have a tremendous basketball program that is also at the forefront and fans look forward to new rivalries."

During a presentation on Friday to the Board of Regents, Moccia said the athletics budget currently has a budget of $27.7 million, per Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act data. The budget would rank fifth among the nine schools currently committed to C-USA in 2023.

The football budget of $9.2 million ranks sixth and the men's basketball budget of $3.3 million ranks third behind Liberty ($3.5 million) and UTEP.

Moccia said there were no additional requirements for league membership during the negotions with Conference USA and commissioner Judy MacLeod.

"From an athletics standpoint, there wasn't a situation where you have to have A, B or C," Moccia said. "(MacLeod) is tremendously familiar with New Mexico State University. It's very unique that it's so close to UTEP.

"I think it helps when you know the other athletic directors in the league. We are excited to be there and I think they are excited to have us."

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Move to Conference USA will cost New Mexico State $1.5 million