Big 12 Commissioner, Brett Yormark, announced that discussions regarding the possible invitation of UConn to the conference have been paused. The rekindled conversations with UConn, a Big East member, began two weeks ago after school officials pitched the Huskies to conference athletic directors. UConn’s successful men’s and women’s basketball programs were highlighted, but its struggling football program was also a consideration.
Yormark has shown interest in adding UConn due to its large following in the New York area and the potential value it could bring to the Big 12, which has become a strong basketball conference. The plan was to add UConn for most sports immediately, while allowing time for the football program to improve over six years.
UConn rejoined the Big East in 2020 and has since had success in basketball, winning NCAA titles. However, its football program has struggled as an independent. Adding UConn was seen as a move that would not impact the finances of current Big 12 members, with new TV agreements set to provide significant revenue to the conference.
Despite initial interest, the idea of adding UConn was not widely embraced by all members of the Big 12, as other priorities, such as revenue-sharing models and legal settlements, take precedence. The Big 12 has recently expanded to a 16-school conference, adding schools from the Pac-12. Discussions with UConn are currently on hold as the conference focuses on other matters.
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