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I don't think it is really as a partner. the idea of partners is outdated. an odd number of teams for any sport can be worked for scheduling

I think what they are looking at is basketball is a major part of media deals. GCU has shown investment in programs, GCU basketball has done well last few years (remember Bakersfield did well the couple years before entry into the Big West, so much for that lol, recency bias, but Bake is another story and a sad one as well).

and of course most of all GCU is in Phoenix, that fits well with probably what they want to target in teh footprint, since getting Arizona or ASU are non-starters right now.

so yeah, could see that they'd have discussions.

my bet is they could add GCU, they likely still want UNLV, and then they are set with qualifying for football, and have a very solid basketball conference,

then they would likely then be very selective and keep talking to Memphis and UTSA & USF, but not be in any hurry. just seems at a standstill with UNLV. at some point they have to get a football team, so if UNLV won't budge they'll get someone, I still would not rule out Hawaii as a last resort for them to add to get to 8, and in all sports if they do.

they need to get that 8th school, and becomes more urgent as time passes, they are on the clock. they want to start talking and pursuing media rights, and Gonzaga is a big add, and adding GCU maybe helps them as well overall, but not for football obviously.