I don't think that the Big 12 can expand nor contract. Here are my reasons. First, the LHN does exactly what ESPN wants it to do. It is a cheap method to keep the Big 12 together as a fifth wheel conference. But, more importantly, it keeps control of UT's third tier broadcast rights. By having control of UT's third tier broadcast rights, ESPN has essentially forced UT to only move to conferences that are locked into ESPN. Those two conferences are ACC and SEC. UT cannot go to the B1G nor PAC because those conferences have their third tier rights given to FOX. I do not think that OU or kU have the ability to move by themselves to a new conference. UT is the only "homerun" entity in the Big 12. OU and kU are excellent second choices. This is similar to TAMU and Mizzou. TAMU was the big prize while Mizzou was the pleasant add-on.

While the Big 12 will not fold, I do not see it expanding. If only 6 votes were needed, then expansion would have already occurred. The two new divisions would be the Texohoma and Leftover divisions. Any other attempt to "zipper" divisions will not have enough votes. Those who do not get yearly contests with UT will object saying it will hurt their Texas recruiting. Also, WVU has already said that they do not want a Florida school invited. That would elevate the Florida school to a rival for recruits. This would be detrimental to WVU's recruiting in Florida. If 7 votes are needed then you would probably end up with the Texohoma + kU division and everyone else. You would probably also have at least one Florida school. In time their will be many unhappy campers.