WAC looking to expand following 2011-2012 season

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DENVER -- The Western Athletic Conference announced Wednesday the creation of a membership committee that will immediately begin looking for new schools as the league looks to expand following the 2011-12 season.

"I'm confident that there are teams that will add value to the WAC in the future," stated WAC Commissioner Karl Benson. "History has shown that teams that have joined the WAC have provided immediate benefits to the league, and have themselves, become better programs in a short time."

With Fresno State and Nevada competing in the WAC for the next two seasons, any expansion would more than likely occur for the 2012-13 academic year.

"Fresno State and Nevada will participate in the 2011-12 season," continued Benson. "This gives us several months to study all of our options and assess prospective new teams."

The committee consists of the six Athletic Directors from the remaining conference members (Hawai‘i, Idaho, Louisiana Tech, New Mexico State, San Jose State and Utah State).

According to Benson, the committee will begin to identify and evaluate potential members that are located within the WAC "footprint."

Among the criteria the committee will consider includes academics, attendance, budgets, location/transportation, market size, recent success and sports sponsorship.

Any specific announcements or invitations pertaining to expansion are not expected prior to the Spring of 2011.