CUSA should go to 16 before going to the negotiating table. Without question. 14 teams has always been an odd number for CUSA.
Adding 2 more teams at this point will not take away any significant revenue... and if done creatively, CUSA can reduce travel and operate each division like mini-conferences.
16 has always been that mythical number in collegiate sports. CUSA can grab the bull by the horns and gain attention for being the first.
No doubt, Texas State and Georgia State should be in CUSA. If they add the Bobcats, their 5 team Texas group would get a lot of pub and may even anchor an improved TV deal. There are a lot of eyeballs in the Lone Star state, and a 5 team group can develop a culture for CUSA. Meanwhile, Georgia State is going to have one of the nicest stadiums in CUSA. They'd fill in that Southeastern corner nicely.
Does CUSA have a choice at this point? Go big or go home.
If it doesn't work out then they can make a clean split and have two very nice pieces. When the WAC16 split, it actually provided a decent springboard for both sides. Though that wouldn't be the goal to expand. If the Western group had Texas State, they may someday revive the SWC brand (at that point perhaps adding an Arkansas State and Missouri State). The Eastern CUSA could answer by adding JMU and Coastal.