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WVU AD expects Big 12 expansion decision in the next 90-180 days

With rumors of Big 12 expansion in the air, an athletic director finally gives an expected timetable for a decision.

By Jake Welch
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Ever since Big 12 Conference meetings in Phoenix last week the internet has been set ablaze with Big 12 expansion rumors.

A lot has been said in regards to which teams could / should be added but there has been very little info on when exactly the Big 12 and it's respective powers will make a decision on expansion. Earlier today Chris Anderson of 247Sports.com reported that West Virginia athletic director Shane Lyons expects the conference to make a decision in the next 3-6 months.

In an interview with West Virginia play-by-play announcer Tony Caridi, Lyons indicated he didn't expect the decision to come quickly but gave his thoughts on a potential timeline.

"I don't think it's going to happen that fast. I don't think we have all that information. I do think that we'll get more information at that meeting (in June)," he said. "...I don't think we have all the information in the next three weeks. I think in the next ninety to 180 days, we'll have to make a decision one way or another."

Lyons also discussed the fact that there isn't a consensus between the schools in the conference on the expansion issue, which isn't a surprise to those who have been following the situation closely. In addition the WVU athletic director mentioned how the decision to expand is a necessity for future growth.

"We're viable now, but in five years, especially from a revenue standpoint, especially with the SEC and their network, the Big Ten and their network... are we going to continue to grow at the same pace as those two conferences and grow from a revenue standpoint?," said Lyons. "And I think the answer to that is probably not, not if we stay at ten."

Conference expansion has become such a hot button issue that Oklahoma has experienced some level of infighting between the school's board of regents and OU president David Boren. ESPN reporter Jake Trotter recently tweeted out statements from David Boren and board of regents chair Max Weitzenhoffer, with the board reinforcing their support for Boren and Boren restating his advocacy for expansion.

The Big 12 is expected to meet again later this month to discuss expansion.

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