What would the Big 12 look like if it added one of the country’s premier basketball programs?
We may find out.
According to a report by Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger, the school and the conference are in serious negotiations, with UConn officials meeting with Big 12 athletic administrators in Dallas last week to discuss possible expansion.
According to The Associated Press’ Ralph Russo, Big 12 presidents are scheduled next week to discuss potentially inviting UConn to the conference after school officials made an in-person pitch to the league that included a hefty investment in the Huskies’ struggling football program.
Russo’s report said a plan to add UConn, which has won the last two men’s college basketball national championships, would include the school’s football team staying independent before being added to the Big 12 in 2031 and not require current members to take a cut in their current expected conference revenue.
Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark, a former executive with the Brooklyn Nets, has long been intrigued with getting a foothold in the New York area market, where UConn has a tremendous presence.
The Big 12 is about to begin its first year as a 16-team conference after adding Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah from the Pac-12 last year.
UConn rejoined the Big East in 2020 for most of its sports after leaving the American Athletic Conference. The Huskies have been a football independent since, going 10-27 with one bowl appearance.
The men’s basketball program, however, has returned to prominence under coach Dan Hurley and the women’s basketball program remains one of the best in the country.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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