Big 12 expansion never has been and never will be a decision based on the comparative values of 10 members vs. 12.

To expand or not expand, that is not the question. Since the league lost Nebraska and Colorado, then Texas A&M and Missouri, the evergreen question has not been how many. The evergreen question has been who.

Which schools could fill the voids in marketing and competition and academics and geography?

The answer, no one. There were no perfect available candidates. There aren't any candidates who really can come close.