Report: Mountain West-Conference USA Merger Unlikely

According to a report from Brett McMurphy of CBSSports.com, the previously-announced merger between the Conference USA and the Mountain West Conference is now unlikely to happen.

The two leagues had hoped to dissolve and reform as a "super conference" for the 2013-2014 season, but now appears unlikely in the immediate future, according to McMurphy's sources. The move was initially set to deter both leagues from having to add additional members, as well as creating the first in-conference playoff.

The move initially followed heavy losses from both schools in conferences, with the C-USA losing UCF, SMU, Houston and Memphis, while the Mountain West will lose TCU, Boise State and Memphis.

It appears as both schools will have to seek out new members, according to reports at least 11 schools have been contacted by either the C-USA or MWC about possible future membership.

The University of Tulsa released the following statement in response to McMurphy's report:

"There has been no changes in discussions regarding the affiliation between Conference USA and the Mountain West Conference. Presidents of the 16 schools are scheduled to meet again at the end of the month as the two leagues continue to move forward. Further information will be made available sometime after those meetings."