would consider an Ivy League type model rather than participate in pro-light athletics.

Travel would also be a major concern. There would need to be enough western teams to prevent too much travel and the impact that would have on student athletes

They would much rather step down in sports than have an AD where athletes are not students in every traditional way that they have traditionally been.

So that might be an issue for them, but I think the big 10’s commitment to students athletes and research makes it a good landing place as long as there are enough teams in the west to make travel acceptable.