(05-09-2017 05:57 AM)dxdtdemon Wrote:  I think they'll stay at nine for now, like they had some of the past few years (the gaps between Butler leaving and Oakland joining, and Loyoia leaving and NKU joining). There isn't anyone who would join that would improve the conference RPI, and the current addition candidates will still likely be around whenever Wright State goes bankrupt.

No, they won't stay at nine, and LeCrone is on the record about it:

Quote:Horizon Commissioner Jonathan LeCrone said Friday that the MVC’s visits, including to schools within his league (Valparaiso and Milwaukee), are no secret. He has spoken openly about his intention to expand and said the Horizon will stay true to its value and plan, which transcends any movement of members.

“Whether we’re 10, whether we’re eight, whether we’re nine, we still have plans, no matter what our configuration is at any point in time, to grow larger,” he said. “We think larger is better. We think divisional play is good. And we have lots of members on our membership candidate list who are very interested in helping us achieve that vision no matter what our current membership movement might be.”

They will go to 12 (14 is tougher, but still doable) and those plans could be accelerated by a departure.