The Mountain West Conference signed a television contract last week that will expand exposure beyond the sphere of football and men’s basketball.

The MWC reached a five-year agreement with the National College Sports Network, a new 24-hour cable network devoted to college sports.

Starting in 2003, the MWC will be supplying exclusive programming of regular season and championship volleyball, soccer, women’s basketball, baseball, softball, tennis, golf, swimming and diving and track and field.

“Through our broadcast partners, the Mountain West Conference is now able to showcase all 19 of its championship sports to a national television audience,” MWC commissioner Craig Thompson said in a release.

“This additional national exposure will further help in advancing these programs,” he said.

The MWC’s eight schools join an NCSN family that is 150 colleges strong.