Pac-10 Conference Commissioner Considering Expansion

There has been a lot of hype around the Pac-10 about the possible expansion to a Pac-12 conference. Here is a post-speculation party take on the expansion idea as time grows near to the serious conversations that are going to happen within the Pac.

First year Pac-10 Commissioner Larry Scott states that, "We'll start having serious analysis and serious conversations," about the possible expansion in coming months.

Deputy Commissioner Kevin Weilberg, Scott's right-hand-man, says to expect changes within the next 12 to 18 months, whether it be an expansion or another money generating idea.

Why 12 to 18 months? That will be the time in which decisions must be made, because following the 2011-2012 academic year, the Pac-10's TV and media contracts will expire.

It is common knowledge that every college football conference revolves around increasing revenue, and this is vital time for the Pac-10 to keep up with other BCS conferences, particularly the SEC and Big-10.

An expansion could help this cause.

Although this topic is being considered as only a "curiosity" by Commissioner Scott, it will only happen if it will bring in more money.

If the two team expansion were to happen, the chosen schools must match with the existing teams in terms of athletic departments as well as academics.

This includes all sports and how much money each one of them will bring in for the conference.

The most mentioned schools include Colorado, San Diego State, Fresno State, Nevada, UNLV, Texas Christian, Utah, BYU, and Boise State.

There are no perfect solutions regarding which two teams should be added if the expansion were to occur, as any decision will draw controversy. There will be people for the expansion, and against it.

The bottom line is as time draws near to the expiration of the Pac-10's media contracts, an expansion may or may not happen.

Likely Candidates

BYU and Utah.

One of the Pac-10's unique characteristics is the five rivalries within it. Utah and BYU are natural rivals and would fit in well with the existing five rivalries that are either in-state or cross-town rivals.

Both schools have shown success in all sports, consistently being ranked in the top-25 in recent years.

The Salt Lake City media market has the potential to bring in revenue for the conference, ranking 35 out of the 210 college football markets in the country.

Utah and BYU both have a strong following in football and basketball, the two main money-generating sports.