Beavers still in limbo: https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/oregon-state-ad-scott-barnes-says-he-s-frustrated-with-speed-of-clarity-over-pac-12-assets/ar-AA1gf9SS
Pac 12 can't even tell them what assets they have.
“"...When you look at potential assets that we hold, whether it’s autonomy and Power 5 status, the Pac-12 Network or whatever the balance sheet looks like in the end, that helps drive decisions,” Barnes said.
In the meantime, “we’re scenario planning. We’re not just waiting. But ultimately, to inform a final decision, it’s important we know about the Pac-12 assets,” he said.
Asked if Oct. 1 is a reasonable deadline for a decision on Pac-12 assets, Barnes said “yeah, that’s not unreasonable.”
What is delaying a decision?
“You’ll have to ask the Pac-12 that,” Barnes said. “I keep asking. It’s been a slow process, a frustrating process.”
What are the options? One is a straight merger with Mountain West. Another is a reverse merger where the Mountain West lands under the Pac-12 umbrella. A third is Oregon State and Washington State going the route of a “Pac-2″ for two years. NCAA by-laws allow a conference two years to rebuild to at least eight schools.
<<<my note: NCAA rules require at least 6 members to keep the basketball autobid>>>
By waiting two years, the cost to acquire Pac-12 expansion schools falls dramatically. The Mountain West’s media rights contract ends after the 2025-26 year. American Athletic (AAC) schools must give 27 months notice before leaving.
Barnes said Oregon State could find a way to fill a 12-game football schedule for two years if necessary.
“Not easy, but if we had to fill a schedule, it would take comprehensive moves, but we could,” Barnes said. “We’ve vetted it with experts and we know there’s a potential path.”
Barnes added that this isn’t necessarily the preferred path, just an option.
Barnes confirmed that talks with the AAC have ceased. He said it was a mutual decision, largely because of extensive travel. But Barnes also said that “we’ll continue to pound on doors” regarding possible alliances, including Power 5 conferences."