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Big Ten expansion could be this summer

Accelerated timetable for Big Ten expansioChicago Breaking Sports
A note on the Big Ten expansion voteESPN
Apparently, the process of expanding the Big Ten Conference is accelerating. This Sunday, in Washington at the Association of American Universities, Big Ten officials will discuss adding more schools. If they agree to proceed, commissioner Jim Delany would notify other conference presidents of the Big Ten’s interest in new members. The feeling out process would be in May with a vote in June.

Since this is largely driven by the desire to expand the Big Ten Network’s footprint, multiple invitations may be extended. Rutgers is the most desirable because of the New York City televisions market. I don’t see Notre Dame coming aboard, though it is actually in their financial interest to do so, unless the expansion has three schools. Friend of this blog, Kevin McGuire of Examiner.com wonders aloud if Maryland might be in the mix, but I really doubt that happens.

I don’t have really strong feelings on that matter, though if there is an expansion I’m hoping for an Eastern school so Penn State gets a more natural rival and a closer travel destination for road games.

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