Big Ten explores possible expansion amid Pac-12 instability - ESPN

The Big Ten's exploration of potential expansion, which the league generally acknowledged Wednesday, underscores the fragility of the overall collegiate landscape and casts a pall over the future of the Pac-12.

In the wake of a Yahoo Sports report Wednesday that the Big Ten has begun «exploratory discussions» about potential additions, the Big Ten said in a statement: «It's also commissioner's job to keep conference chancellors and presidents informed about new developments as they occur.»

That statement hints at the instability in the Pac-12, which lost Colorado to the Big 12 last week and is down to just nine programs. The league was presented a primarily Apple streaming deal Tuesday that was met with tepid reactions because of issues with exposure and with guaranteed money.

That leaves nine schools pondering their options, along with an uncertainty around the Pac-12 that prompted the Big Ten to begin formal due diligence, sources confirmed to ESPN. The Big Ten's discussions are centered on Washington and Oregon, sources told ESPN.

«Discussions are happening,» an industry source told ESPN. «It's hard to assess when it would/will happen. At this point, it's now logical for all parties. I think if something happens, it'll be pretty quickly.»

ESPN reported on Monday that Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti had begun quiet diligence on Washington and Oregon. Sources indicated that has ramped up throughout the week, although there's some patience to see how things unfold in the Pac-12.

Although there's some presidential interest in adding Cal and Stanford, those potential additions were met with chilly responses last year when the Big Ten pondered adding more teams, in part because of their lack of television resonance.