In the wake of Texas hiring football coach Tom Herman, Houston board of regents chairman Tilman Fertitta said the Big 12's expansion process was "a sham."
The NHL has settled on Las Vegas as its choice for expansion, provided organizers can come up with a $500 million fee.
With the Big 12 considering expansion, documents show the conference's composition committee is flirting with Houston, Memphis, UCF and Colorado State.
Commissioner Rob Manfred shared a vision of the game Tuesday that could ultimately include more than 30 major league franchises.
The NHL's Board of Governors has authorized NHL commissioner Gary Bettman to formally open the expansion process, and the league will examine bids from interested markets, including Las Vegas.
Big 12 athletic directors not interested in expansion.
