Where SMU stands with Pac-12 after San Diego State's retreat back to MWC

Pac-12 expansion has not gone as smoothly as many were hoping it would

Despite reports indicating that the Pac-12 wouldn't have their media rights deal done until July, and the conference president himself saying that the conference wouldn't expand until the deal was done, San Diego State still pulled out a questionable move.

They essentially alerted the Mountain West whether it was their intention or not, that they were leaving the conference. The consensus around the country is that they were hoping to secure an invite to the Pac-12, and avoid having to pay the $33.5 million exit fee. Unfortunately for them they didn't receive an invitation, and they are now left with three options moving forward. 

While most of the attention has been on them and rightfully so, as they may have even tried to force the Pac-12's hand a bit, many are wondering what to make of SMU. San Diego State has long been viewed as the perfect candidate for Pac-12 expansion, and SMU has been right there with them. We know that the program out of Dallas has interest in joining the Pac-12 and the feeling was at one point viewed as mutual, but they have been much more quiet about expansion than San Diego State.

Pac-12 insider John Canzano recently provided an update on where SMU currently stands in this whole ordeal.

 SMU is doing some serious rubber-necking on the SDSU fiasco. The Mustangs are motivated to get into the Pac-12 and view the Aztecs as a likely dance partner. For that reason, donors at SMU viewed San Diego State’s announcement that it was staying put as a disappointing development. But as they say in Texas, “Don’t hang your wash on someone else’s line.”

Assuming they learned from San Diego State's mistake, SMU likely won't inform the American of their plan to leave until they know it's a for sure thing. In order to leave they would have to pay the AAC an exit fee of $10 million and also provide a 27-month notice of departure. 

A fee that could come down as the commissioner, Mike Aresco, has revealed he's open to negotiating with a program that is leaving. July is expected to be a big month for the Pac-12, and also provide some much needed closure on this wave of realignment.