Uncertain WAC ponders next steps into future

While a newly formed membership committee searches for schools that will revitalize the Western Athletic Conference, the commissioner announced a new scheduling agreement with BYU.

"I'm confident that there are teams that will add value to the WAC in the future," stated WAC Commissioner Karl Benson, who said they will consider schools that do not have football programs, as well as those that do. "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."

While both Fresno State and Nevada have expressed a desire to leave the WAC after this school year, Benson said the WAC bylaws prevent that. Each school would have had to let the WAC know by June 30 that they intended to leave the conference, which they did not. That means they cannot leave until after the 2011-2012 school year.

The WAC board of commissioners instructed Benson to send a letter to both Fresno State and Nevada demanding the $5 million buyout by Oct. 25.

The departure of those schools before 2011-2012 would devastate the remaining six schools, he said.

"It would cause irreparable financial harm to the remaining WAC schools," said Benson in a Wednesday afternoon teleconference. He said the BYU games announced earlier Wednesday would help fill the hole left by the departure of Boise State — which takes place next school year.

To try and fill voids left by Fresno State and Nevada "less than a year out would be nearly impossible," Benson said.

When asked about the whether or not the buyout clause lacked legal force because BYU did not join the WAC as the members believed they would when they signed it, Benson said no.

"It will be enforced," he said.

Benson said the WAC is considering any and all options when it comes to expansion.

"We will entertain all options, all membership models," he said.

"We are also announcing the creation of a membership committee that will evaluate prospective members," he said.

As the WAC intends to hold Fresno State and Nevada to the contract that requires them to participate in WAC sports until June 30, 2012, he doesn't anticipate adding new members until that time. He said the next six months will be critical to evaluation of new members.