Big Ten Media Days: Commissioner Jim Delany says league will keep name

The Big Ten will add a championship game in 2011, revise the league into two divisions in the next "30 to 45 days," change its league schedule to nine games in the next two-to-four years and decide on a championship game site for 2011 as soon as possible. 

Here's a rundown in a choppy format: 

Jim Delany said the Big Ten will keep its name "no matter what." 

"I think the Big Ten is the Big Ten regardless of the number," Delany said. 

On expansion front: 

Jim Delany said the conference has decision on "full speed ahead" for transitioning Nebraska into the Big Ten by 2011. But meeting with other league presidents in mid-June the thought was "we'll pause but we're not necessarily turning our back on expansion." 

"Not actively involved in expansion initiatives." Still on 12-to-18 month time frame. 

Delany said he presumes the league will have championship game. In 30-45 days the divisional structure will be identified. 

Delany will make determination on championship site, TV network by fall. 

On protecting Ohio State-Michigan: "The divisions need to be as balanced as they can possibly be made." 

The first principle is to preserve traditional rivalries, Delany said. 

"We have to do everything to play each other more, not less." 

Right now talking about principles. So far, it's competitive balance, preservation of rivalry games, geographic considerations. 

Appropriate start of looking back for competitive balance to 1993 -- when Penn State joined the league. 

Delany said he hasn't thought much about championship sites. Likely a one-year site for 2011, then visit other venues for the future. 

"I'm not divisions make sense in basketball." 

On Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State on same division: "We would be inclined to create teams into divisions in which each division is as powerful as another division." 

On Notre Dame being a player in expansion: "I see playing Notre Dame playing the Big East for many years to come, and I see Notre Dame playing as an independent in football for many years to come." 

"I don't see them as a player." 

On  a  future league schedules: "I think a ninth game at this juncture would serve everybody's interest." Does not think it will happen for a year or two because of contractual reasons. 

On fifth road league games: "It might affect some of the schools now scheduling opponents on a home-and-home basis." 

"I hope it happens in two and no more than four years."