Conference realignment rumors: Pac-12 program initiating 'preliminary discussions' with B1G

Conference realignment rumors continue to swirl throughout the offseason and in the wake of the B1G’s new media rights agreement. Shortly after the B1G’s new deal was announced, various reports surfaced to indicate the B1G is likely not done expanding.

That was more or less confirmed with a clip from Kevin Warren’s sitdown interview with HBO’s Bryant Gumbel. In a clip of that interview to be aired Tuesday, Warren admitted the conference could increase membership up to 20 teams.

On Monday, Brett McMurphy with the Action Network added another layer to the possibility of B1G expansion. McMurphy reported that Oregon leadership is meeting with the B1G in Chicago to initiate “preliminary discussions” to see if the two sides would be a good fit.

Oregon AD Rob Mullens and commissioner Kevin Warren are not expected to be a part of those negotiations.

Oregon initiated preliminary discussions in Chicago w/Big Ten to determine if Ducks are compatible in B1G, source told @ActionNetworkHQ. Outgoing UO president Michael Schill, AD Rob Mullens & B1G commish Kevin Warren not involved in any discussions in Chicago, another source said

— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) August 22, 2022

It will be interesting to see how this latest update plays out.