Austin, TX (Sports Network) - University of Texas officials said Tuesday the decision to remain a member of the Big 12 Conference was always the school's top goal, despite growing speculation that a move to the Pac-10 was almost a done deal.

"Our priority all along has been the continuance of the Big 12 Conference. We have worked diligently with other league members and conference staff to assess the strength and future viability of our institutions," said Texas men's athletic director DeLoss Dodds in a statement Tuesday. "The Big 12 has served its members well. We move forward with the commitment and confidence of 10 Big 12 universities to ensure the very best academic and athletics opportunities for the student-athletes we support."

Texas was among the four Big 12 schools courted by the Pac-10, which began its plan to expand last week with the addition of Colorado. Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State were the others on the Pac-10's radar. Texas A&M, meanwhile, was considering a move to the Southeastern Conference.

In addition to Colorado's defection, Nebraska decided to depart for the Big Ten last week, leaving the Big 12 with just 10 schools.

Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe made one last pitch to save the conference and came up with a plan that will increase each school's revenue through a new television package. The schools then met Monday to consider the future of the league.

"Instability is not good for any conference," said school president William Powers Jr. at a Tuesday news conference. "And Texas led the way at the Big 12 meeting, saying we need to keep the Big 12 together and end this instability."

Reports indicate that Texas will stand to make the most money in the new deal and the school will also be able to start its own television network.

"We have assurances that we may continue working toward our goal of establishing a UT television network-channel that would provide additional exposure for our institution, seeded greatly with programming associated with our 20 men's and women's sports programs," stated women's athletic director Chris Plonsky.

The new 10-team league will not be able to stage a football championship game, as only conferences with at least 12 teams are permitted to do so under NCAA rules.