According to UNLV athletic director Tina Kunzer-Murphy, the Rebels have submitted a letter of interest to the Big 12. Kunzer-Murphy told the Las Vegas Review-Journal about the interest in joining the Power 5 conference.
“Our long-term goal has always been to become a member of a Power 5 conference, and it’s important that we’re part of the conversation,” Kunzer-Murphy said. “We’re proud members of the Mountain West conference, but we’re always looking to better our situation, and it behooves us to do that as an athletic department and a university.”
ESPN reported that as of now 18 teams will conduct video conferences with Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby. Kunzer-Murphy has not disclosed whether UNLV will be added to the list of video conferences. The Rebels become the 19th team.
ESPN reported that the Big 12 will likely expand to 12 teams instead of 14 which reduces UNLV’s already slim chances of making it into the conference. However, staying at 10 is still an option.
Kunzer-Murphy also told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that in order to even be considered for the expansion slot the school must improve their football program and have their proposed 65,000 seat domed stadium approved.
Kunzer-Murphy told the Las Vegas Review-Journal about some areas she believes can help UNLV’s case for the expansion slot.
“UNLV offers a great athletic department, a great institution and a wonderful city,” Kunzer-Murphy said.
UNLV’s chances to be chosen as one of the two schools to enter the Big 12 are slim; however, it’s nice to see that UNLV is at least making an attempt to join a Power 5 conference.