Karl Benson Will Make Expansion Priority For Sun Belt When He Begins In April

The Sun Belt introduced its next commissioner on Thursday afternoon, Karl Benson, currently the Western Athletic Conference commissioner. He will begin work with the Sun Belt on April 1 and take over in July when current commissioner Wright Waters retires, reports the Associated Press' Ralph D. Russo.

High on Benson's agenda? Expansion:

The Sun Belt has 10 football members and Benson says he thinks there is "an advantage to getting to at least 12."

But where will these two extra teams come from? The only option appears to be schools from the WAC, which means it will become a battleground between the Sun Belt and the new Conference USA-Mountain West league that will begin in 2013. Maybe the Texas school making the jump from the FBS level to FCS, Texas-San Antonio and Texas State, will be targeted. But that really depends on the schools the Mount USA will take in.

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Sun Belt Conference Likely To Name Karl Benson Commissioner On Thursday

The Sun Belt Conference has scheduled an announcement for Thursday and it's likely to be the naming of Karl Benson as the new commissioner, according to Jon Wilner of the San Jose Mercury News. Benson will replace Wright Waters, who will retire on July 1, at the position.

Wilner also reports that, "WAC presidents foolishly refused to give Benson [a] contract extension last year [because they] blamed him for exodus of Boise & Co." Boise State is among the schools leaving the WAC soon, as the Broncos will be heading to the Big East beginning in 2013.

CBS Sports' Dennis Dodd originally reported the hiring of Benson as Sun Belt commissioner. The move is expected to be made official with the conference's announcement on Thursday.

Head over to SB Nation NCAA Football for more news and notes around the college football world. Stay tuned to SB Nation Denver for more as well.

Karl Benson Will Leave WAC, Replace Wright Waters As Sun Belt Commissioner, According To Report

Current WAC commissioner Karl Benson will reportedly take over for Wright Waters as the Sun Belt commissioner.