Pac-12: Analyzing the candidates for conference expansion
With Pac-12 expansion at the forefront of discussion, we analyze the best candidates to join the conference.
Welcome to the college athletics version of Darwinism. Only the strong will survive this latest round of conference realignment. For conferences like the Pac-12, it means they eventually expand or die. A few weeks ago, the dominoes started to fall when Texas and Oklahoma bolted the Big 12 for the Southeastern Conference. How the process ends is unknown, but the ripples started already.
In response to the SEC becoming college athletics’ first 16-team superconference, the Big Ten, ACC, and Pac-12 formed an alliance on Tuesday. As of now, there is no immediate effect on college sports, but there will be in the long term. Look for items such as standardizing the number of conference football games and more cross-conference scheduling to be among their agenda.
Expanding the Pac-12
Even though some around the conference are dragging their heels, Pac-12 expansion is inevitable. The biggest argument against expanding the conference is money. More specifically, carving the money pie into more slices. It’s a short-sighted rejection.
Done the right way, with the right, with the right schools, by the time a new TV contract falls into place, the Pac-12 can plan for it. Besides, any new members could be placed on a ramp-up plan.
Membership criteria
If the Pac-12 expands, new schools will have to meet three big standards. Commissioner George Kliavkoff and the CEO group have plenty to consider.
- The school must be a Tier 1 research facility.
- A new member has to bring a significant fan/media base.
- Finally, they have to be a good fit with the rest of the conference members.
Note – if the money is right, one or two of these items could change.
Out: Iowa State, Texas Christian University, Baylor University, West Virginia, Boise State.
For one reason or another, these four Big 12 schools don’t work for the Pac -12. Iowa State is far, and they don’t bring the fan base necessary. It would be ridiculous geographically to add West Virginia. Besides, the Mountaineers are likely headed to the ACC.
Baylor and TCU aren’t good philosophical fits. Also, neither fits the criteria of a Tier 1 research institution. Boise State would love to play in a conference with heavyweights, but they don’t match up from an academic or market standpoint.
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