North Dakota State University (NDSU) entered its inaugural FBS season with high hopes, aiming to sell 12,000 football season tickets. The university managed to move roughly 11,000 tickets, a figure that, while short of the target, still represents a significant achievement given the transition from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).
A Rocky Start in the FBS
The Bison's ticket sales pale in comparison to the peak of their FCS dynasty, when about 12,200 season tickets were sold. Nevertheless, the current numbers are viewed as strong within the Mountain West Conference, where fan engagement varies widely. The conference as a whole has seen a mix of successes and shortfalls, with some programs exceeding expectations while others fall flat.
Attendance discrepancies have become a focal point of discussion. UNLV, for instance, announced a 2025 attendance figure of 31,589 per game but recorded an actual average of 19,383, marking a 17% decline from the previous year. The team also received a $3.6 million payment from the stadium authority to offset revenue shortfalls at Allegiant Stadium. In contrast, other Mountain West members such as Boise State, Fresno State and Colorado State reported higher season‑ticket sales before shifting to the reconstituted Pac‑12, while Wyoming, Air Force, Nevada, Hawaii, New Mexico and San Jose State round out the conference’s diverse fan base.
The broader landscape of college football realignment adds another layer of complexity. New entrants like Northern Illinois and UTEP join the conference, while institutions such as the University of California, Davis, Montana State and the University of Montana continue to build their programs in the Big Sky. The varied financial and attendance outcomes underscore the challenges faced by schools navigating a rapidly evolving conference structure.
Revenue considerations also come into play. UNLV’s supplemental payment from the stadium authority highlights the financial pressures that can accompany lower-than-expected ticket sales. As the Mountain West continues to adapt, each program will need to balance competitive ambitions with the realities of market demand and conference dynamics.