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Report: Wichita State interested in adding football, joining Mountain West

Rick Osentoski / USA TODAY Sports

There could be some big changes associated with Wichita State athletics, as the school has approached the Mountain West Conference about becoming members, sources told Dennis Dodd of CBS Sports.

School president John Bardo ordered an ongoing feasibility study last year with the possibility of bringing the football program back from extinction. The Shockers haven't participated in the sport since 1986.

The success of the Shockers' basketball program in recent years under coach Gregg Marshall has led a push to increase exposure. The Mountain West has 11 schools playing basketball, as Hawaii plays its league games in the sport in the Big West.

The Shockers play in the Missouri Valley Conference - which has become a very strong basketball league in recent years - since 1946. The Mountain West holds television contracts with ESPN and CBS Sports Network, a large upgrade from the Missouri Valley.

Adding FBS football would certainly make Wichita State a more desirable member for larger conferences, but would cost in the neighborhood of $50 million.

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