Former athletic director says Utah likely in Pac-10 expansion, not BYU

(AP file photo)PROVO -- A former BYU athletic director says: If the Pac-10 expands, Utah is a front-runner, and BYU is likely out as an option.

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Pac-10 considering possible expansion

Pac-10 commissioner Larry Scott says that if the conference is going to expand, a decision will likely be made in the next year.

Pac-10 commissioner Larry Scott said Tuesday the conference will "seriously" consider expansion over the next year. The statement was made during a news conference to introduce the new assistant commissioner, Kevin Weiberg -- previously a former Big XII commissioner and the Big Ten network creator. The Pac-10 is looking into the possibility of creating of its own TV network.

Val Hale, the athletic director in Provo from 1994 to 2004, told KSL News Wednesday he'd be surprised if the Pac-10 expands, although he was also surprised the conference approached the issue.

"The fact that it's coming from the Pac-10 certainly legitimizes the conversation," Hale said.

If the conference does expand, Hale believes the University of Utah is in prime position to leave the Mountain West Conference.

"I would think Utah will be included," Hale said. "I would be surprised if BYU were included."

Hale said BYU may be excluded from Pac-10 expansion, or from an invitation to join the Big XII if that conference's teams are raided.

"The same issue comes into play with BYU, and that's the Sunday-play issue," Hale said.

The fact BYU is not considered a research institution is less of an issue, Hale said.

"Presidents will say [it matters] if that's really a reason they want to keep BYU out," Hale said. "I think if they really wanted BYU, they would find a way to make it happen regardless of the research institution."

The Pac-10 hasn't named any schools in its exploration of expansion. Colorado, Utah and BYU are the names most prominently discussed, and are perhaps the most viable options in the West. Columnists and sports writers have speculated Colorado is the highest priority because it is in the Denver market -- the 16th largest TV market in the country.

Hale says BYU could have a monetary impact in a different regard.

"They know that it would mean another 10,000 to 15,000 people in their stadiums at football games, which is a lot of money," Hale said.

He also gave several reasons he thinks Utah is a "strong candidate."

"Their football program has been in two BCS bowl games," he said. "Their basketball team has been strong for a long time. They have a really strong Olympic sports package. I think Utah probably would be in a front-runner position, because of the Sunday play issue, mainly."

University of Utah athletics spokeswoman Liz Abel said the school has not been contacted and has heard nothing. BYU's communications department told KSL News they have not had any contact with the Pac-10 either.

E-mail: aadams@ksl.com

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