UNLV’s Livengood downplays Big East talks

UNLV athletic director Jim Livengood acknowledged speaking with Big East Conference ADs about possibly joining the league in football but said "there's nothing more than that."

He said Wednesday his discussions with athletic directors from the Big East and elsewhere occurred because of longtime friendships.

Livengood also said he has not spoken to Big East commissioner Mike Aresco.

A CBSSports.com story, however, said Aresco has spoken to UNLV and Fresno State about joining in football only. Boise State and San Diego State leave the Mountain West next year for the Big East in that sport.

"No official representing the Big East has talked to me," UNLV president Neal Smatresk said in a text message. "We remain committed to the MWC."

Livengood has been critical of the decisions by Boise State and San Diego State to take their football programs to the Big East next year while sending their other sports to separate leagues.

UNLV has given every indication it would prefer to keep all its programs in the Mountain West and not do anything to negatively affect its nationally ranked basketball team.

The Big East is struggling to stay together, suffering recent defections of Louisville to the Atlantic Coast Conference and seven of its basketball programs to form their own league.

Compounding problems for the Big East, it hasn't reached a TV agreement, and a potential deal reportedly could be as low as $60 million.

The Mountain West's deal with CBS pays only $8 million to $12 million, but schools hope to increase the bottom line before the contract expires after the 2015 season.

So the Big East is acting aggressively, and UNLV's future probably is tied into what others decide. If Mountain West schools begin bolting for the Big East, that would change the scenario for UNLV, which then probably would need to make a move.

The Big East also could offer to invite entire athletic programs, including those at Boise State and San Diego State, and create a Western division that keeps sports together and decreases the amount of travel.

But there is a general belief at UNLV that a Mountain West committed to remaining intact is in better condition than a Big East with a highly uncertain future.

The Mountain West has taken steps to bolster itself, welcoming San Jose State and Utah State into the league next year.

As the ever-changing story concerning realignment has shown, however, what is true today won't necessarily be true tomorrow.

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