The Big 12 conference is currently in discussions with the University of Connecticut (UConn) about the possibility of joining the league in all sports, according to sources confirmed by ESPN. While no official vote has taken place yet and there seems to be some resistance among existing members, the talks have progressed to the point where UConn’s athletic director and board chair met with Big 12 athletic directors in person to present their case. The focus of the conversations was on how UConn could be competitive in football upon joining the league by 2031 and how they are prepared to invest in the program to meet the standards of current Big 12 teams.
Despite the progress in the talks, there seems to be pushback from several members of the Big 12 that could potentially hinder UConn’s membership. Some athletic directors within the league have been vocal against the idea, while others are still undecided. The ultimate decision would come down to a vote by 12 out of the 16 league presidents. One of the concerns raised is the timing of the discussions, as the league is already dealing with other important matters such as the House vs. NCAA settlement. Additionally, there are doubts about the extent to which adding UConn would benefit the conference, particularly in football.
Impact on Various Sports
If UConn were to join the Big 12, it would be for all sports, with football delayed until 2031 to allow for catching up in terms of funding and talent upgrade through NIL (Name, Image, Likeness). While UConn’s renowned basketball programs would be a valuable addition to the conference, the process of negotiating or waiting out the 27-month exit period from their current league would determine the timing of their inclusion in other sports. The potential addition of UConn to the Big 12 would likely boost the conference’s reputation in basketball, with UConn being a dominant force in both men’s and women’s basketball.
In recent years, the Big 12 has undergone significant expansion, adding four new members last year and preparing to welcome four more this year. The addition of UConn would further solidify the conference’s standing as one of the top basketball leagues in the country. Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark has been proactive in pushing for expansion and securing the league’s future through strategic TV deals. While there were previous attempts to add other teams like Gonzaga, the focus now seems to be on potential powerhouse programs like UConn.
The discussions between the Big 12 and UConn regarding potential membership in the conference represent a significant shift in the landscape of collegiate athletics. While there are challenges and pushback to overcome, the addition of UConn could bring substantial benefits to the conference, particularly in the realm of basketball. The upcoming weeks and months will be crucial in determining the outcome of these talks and whether UConn will become the newest member of the Big 12.
Leave a Reply