Big 12 no longer considering UNLV for expansion

UNLV’s chances of making the Big 12 Conference was never good, and now the school has no shot.

The Big 12 informed UNLV on Tuesday it would not be among those schools considered for expansion in the 10-team conference.

UNLV president Len Jessup and athletic director Tina Kunzer-Murphy released a lengthy joint statement Wednesday saying they appreciated the consideration by the Big 12, but were still working to position the university to be a strong candidate for another power conference.

“We have had discussions with a variety of stakeholders over the last several months, and it has been tremendously beneficial,” the statement read. “UNLV is absolutely on the right path as we work to fulfill an ambitious vision for our university’s continued growth, both academically and athletically.

“Academically, the strategy to attain Top Tier status, the launch of the UNLV School of Medicine, as well as other academic initiatives, are viewed favorably. Athletically, the Big 12 underscored the importance of investment in infrastructure and facilities — especially for football.

“Perhaps most importantly, our stakeholder outreach has reinforced what we already knew: UNLV is a university on the rise, and Las Vegas is a dynamic market. We have a great deal to offer any conference.”

As for the football program, second-year coach Tony Sanchez has long advocated a multipurpose on-campus building. Kunzer-Murphy told the media last week about $7 million had been raised for the project, which will cost up to $30 million, and she was optimistic groundbreaking would occur early next year.

UNLV also hopes to move into a new stadium, which would be built primarily to attract the Oakland Raiders.

If UNLV is to ever seriously be considered by a power conference, it most likely would be the Pac-12 for geographic reasons.

But when realignment takes place again is uncertain.

“As the landscape of intercollegiate athletics continues to change, ensuring UNLV is properly positioned and is a member of a conference that is the best fit for our university and community remains part of our long-term vision,” UNLV’s statement said. “We remain committed to fulfilling our responsibility to be a strong and successful member of the Mountain West.”

The Big 12 did not announce which schools made the first cut, but TMGCollegeSports.com reported that six to eight are still being considered, including Brigham Young, Cincinnati, Houston, Memphis, Connecticut, South Florida and Central Florida. The Coloradoan reported Mountain West member Colorado State also advanced.

About 20 schools made pitches to join the Power 5 conference.

Contact Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow on Twitter: @markanderson65