FWST: Big 12 gives Bowlsby go-ahead to look at expansion candidates

The Big 12 has breathed life back into its expansion chances.

Commissioner Bob Bowlsby was told to evaluate the interest of the schools that have contacted the Big 12 about joining, conference official David Boren said Tuesday in a conference call with reporters.

“A number of universities have contacted the Big 12 to express interest in our conference,” said Boren, Oklahoma University president and chairman of the conference board of directors following a meeting in Dallas. “The board today directed the commissioner to actively evaluate their interest and to report back on those interests at a future board meeting.”

The action keeps expansion talk alive. It was thought to be dormant following the league’s decision to add a championship game and pass on a television network.