HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — Incoming Sun Belt Conference commissioner Karl Benson said the league should grow to at least 12 members and split into two divisions, outlining his plans in an interview during halftime of South Alabama’s first-round game against Troy at the Sun Belt Conference Tournament.
Earlier Start Possible
Benson said the conference may move up the date he begins taking over the office to March 15, rather than the previously planned April 1. He is scheduled to assume the position full time July 1, succeeding Wright Waters.
Why He Left the WAC
Asked what prompted his move after 18 years as commissioner of the Western Athletic Conference, Benson said the decision required careful analysis. He said he viewed the Sun Belt as more stable than the WAC and, at this stage of his career, considered where he wanted to finish. He said the Sun Belt offered the best opportunity.
Growth and Divisions
Benson said his goal is for the conference to reach at least 12 members, which would allow for a football championship game and stronger scheduling alliances.
He said the Sun Belt needs to move to two divisions to reduce travel, not only for football but across the league’s other sports. Benson said the conference wants to keep its current members while also adding new ones.
Membership Changes and Realignment
Some Sun Belt schools have been mentioned as possible invitees to the conference being formed by the merger of Conference USA and the Mountain West Conference. Benson said the Sun Belt will have to accept membership changes if they occur, but described the conference as very stable and said it has several schools identified in case a member departs.
Asked whether he expects the Sun Belt to merge with another league, Benson said he does not.
BCS Outlook
Benson, who has taken part in Bowl Championship Series meetings, said he believes the BCS will eventually adopt a four-team playoff. He said he did not know whether such a playoff would be incorporated into the bowl system or held separately.
South Alabama, a longtime Sun Belt member, will begin Sun Belt football play this fall.
