Report: Pac-12 commissioner George Kliavkoff visiting SMU

Conference realignment is just underway for college football, with two major moves already being made by the Big Ten and SEC. Other Power Five conferences have been trying to play catch up, mainly the Pac-12. With television deals needing to be made in the near future, Pac-12 commissioner George Kliavkoff is reportedly on the road, doing some scout work.

According to Brett McMurphy of The Action Network, Kliavkoff will be in Dallas on Wednesday to visit with SMU. The Mustangs are considered “top” expansion candidates for the conference alongside San Diego State.

“Pac-12 commish George Kliavkoff visiting SMU Wednesday, sources told @ActionNetworkHQ,” McMurphy said. “San Diego State & SMU are top Pac-12 expansion candidates. Pac-12 needs more members & more inventory for new media rights deal, which is expected to rely heavily on digital streaming services.”

Billy Embody of On3’s On The Pony Express provided more information, saying Kliavkoff will attend Wednesday’s SMU-Temple basketball game. Moody Coliseum should be bumping, welcoming Kliavkoff to the Park Cities in impressive fashion.

SMU would bring a new region to the Pac-12 that is football crazy in Dallas. The Big 12 has the other side of the metroplex, with TCU being in Fort Worth. Conference expansion is a long-term battle for everyone involved and the Mustangs are ponying up to get involved.

Pac-12 looking to expand outside out West Coast

Murphy mentions San Diego State as a potential expansion candidate as well, making more geographical sense. The Pac-12 is set to lose two schools from California, UCLA and USC, in favor of the Big Ten. Getting one back would be a smart move from Kliavkoff.

However, SMU would be a bit of an outlier. Uncharted territory would be unlocked for the Pac-12.

If the Mustangs does end up joining the Pac-12, they will be the furtherest east team in the conference. Colorado previously held that title. SMU would take control of the belt since they are in the central time zone. Another region of the country would be added to the Bill Walton dubbed Conference of Champions.

The state of Texas would be adding another Power Five conference as well. Houston is just the latest to join the Pac-12, while Texas and Texas A&M will both be in the SEC in the near future. Football is king in the Lone Star State and a move for the Mustangs would only further cement the point.