Commissioner: Pac-12 not looking to expand
Here's Pac 12 commissioner Larry Scott's full statement:
"In light of the widespread speculation about potential scenarios for Conference re-alignment, the Pac-12 Presidents and Chancellors have affirmed their decision to remain a 12-team conference. Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott said, 'after careful review we have determined that it is in the best interests of our member institutions, student-athletes and fans to remain a 12-team conference. While we have great respect for all of the institutions that have contacted us, and certain expansion proposals were financially attractive, we have a strong conference structure and culture of equality that we are committed to preserve. With new landmark TV agreements and plans to launch our innovative television networks, we are going to focus solely on these great assets, our strong heritage and the bright future in front of us.'"
This comes on the heels of multiple reports on Oklahoma and Texas' intention to join the Pac-12 conference. Now, the future of the Big 12 looks a little brighter, yet questions remain. Oklahoma has previously been reported as willing to consider staying in the conference only if reform regarding ESPN's Longhorn Network commissioner Dan Beebe is made. Now the question is what Oklahoma will do if the Big 12 decides not to change operations.
The future of the Big 12 is still unsettled, but at least this news has given some hope to people like Missouri chancellor and Big 12 chairman Brady Deaton, who has been adamant about wanting to keep the conference together.