While many schools may talk to the MWC, only Gonzaga's name was confirmed, and also that BYU had not asked. I think Thompson mentioned BYU because he was asked, and he is always asked about BYU.

I think the MWC would only take BYU back if Football came with the deal. BYU football is now playing 5 to 6 P5 schools a year, and I can't see them giving that up. They are waiting for the B12 resolution in 2024. Further if the MWC wants a Basketball school Gonzaga is far better a selection. And that pretty much removes BYU from consideration, even though they would be unhappy with the WCC losing Gonzaga.

I don't see any reason to add Football schools. And I'm pretty sure NMSU (duh), UTEP, and Rice (the last two schools vetted a few years ago) asked, but none of them add any money. If I had to guess the last two I'd suspect GCU is one, as they are scouting around for where to go next - not necessarily in a rush, but the WAC is not the final destination and we all know that. And I could be wrong on one of those, but at least one and maybe two mystery schools. Your guess is as good as mine (Texas-Arlington? Denver? some FCS school?)

Anyway, let's see if there is more to it than Thompson simply letting a name drop before trying to fit all the pieces "after Gonzaga leaves". The relative isolation and lack of options in the west might mean it simply leads to no reaction at all.