Hawai'i has its drawbacks but they do have a level of legitimate football history and long term relationships with most of the new PAC. And is does look like they will finally be getting a new stadium in 2028. They are also a much less risky addition as a program than a Sun Belt program like Texas State.

The main goal for the PAC should be to not hurt its long term prospects by adding programs that simply don't carry their own weight. Just because you couldn't get the deal done with Memphis & Co. immediately doesn't mean that option is off the table. Add Hawai'i & Gonzaga now to meet the minimum membership requirement and to legitimize yourself as a multi-bid basketball league. And establish yourself as the premiere G5 with a commensurate TV deal. After years of playing garbage competition week-in & week-out and waning interest from fans and donors the likes of Memphis, UNLV, UTSA, etc. will be begging to join the PAC.