Pac-12: Analyzing the candidates for conference expansion
Part way?
University of New Mexico
The Lobos have a loyal and rabid fan base. UNM also does a great job promoting their football program out of their conference. However, they play in a very small stadium (39,000 capacity).
While New Mexico likely helps the Pac-12’s overall conference strength in men’s basketball, their market presence isn’t enough to justify adding them as a full member. They would, however, be an intriguing non-football member. It would be fun to watch New Mexico defend their home court, “The Pit,” against visiting Pac-12 schools.
University of Nevada, Reno
The University of Nevada is similar to New Mexico. Adding them to the Pac-12 isn’t exactly headline news on the surface. Nevada has plenty of alumni in Las Vegas. Forging a significant presence in the Vegas market is a home run (more on that later).
The Wolf Pack runs a competitive football program in the WAC. McKay Stadium is an issue for football. Nevada will have to expand it from the current 30,000 seats to catch up to the rest of the Pac-12. Then there is the question of filling those new seats, but that’s a discussion for later.
Basketball is also competitive at Nevada. Since 2003-04, the Wolf Pack have won 20 or more games 13 times. Again that’s big for a conference that doesn’t get a ton of respect from the NCAA Selection Committee.
Having the University of Nevada as a non-football member might be a good intro to the Pac-12. Full membership is a bet on the future.