Missouri, Nebraska offered Big Ten membership, WHB 810 reports

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WHB 810 is reporting that Missouri, Nebraska, Notre Dame and Rutgers have been offered invitations to join the Big Ten.

810 cites “multiple sources close to the negotiations.” The station reports that nothing can be finalized until the conference’s presidents meet in Chicago in June.

Keith Mann, an assistant athletic director in media relations at Nebraska, referred to the report as “another bit of media speculation that’s out there.”

“There’s been a lot since this whole process started,” Mann said. “But no, we don’t have anything official from our athletic department.”

Update (3:45 p.m. May 10): The University of Missouri sent this statement in response — it’s the same one they’ve issued before and represents the university as a whole, not just the athletic department.

The University of Missouri is receiving numerous inquiries related to public speculation about conference membership.  MU is a member of the Big 12 Conference and will not respond to speculation about conference realignment.  Mizzou continues to be grateful for all the interest shown in and support for the university.

The Kansas City Star is reporting that Mizzou officials have begun internal discussions about the Big Ten, but no offer has been extended from the conference.

Update (3:54 p.m. May 10): The Lincoln Journal Star asked UNL chancellor Harvey Perlman if there was any truth to WHB’s report. “None whatsoever,” Perlman replied.

Messages were left at the Big 12 and Big Ten offices. We’ll update as we know more.

Image via Flickr: KOMUnews