Next week, the Big 12 presidents are set to discuss a potential invitation to UConn to join the conference after school officials presented a significant investment in the Huskies’ struggling football program. Sources familiar with the discussions revealed that the plan could involve UConn’s football team remaining independent until 2031 before becoming a member of the Big 12, without affecting the current revenue share of existing conference members.
The discussions were kept private, and the Athletic first reported the renewed interest of the Big 12 in UConn. Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark has shown interest in tapping into the New York market, where UConn has a strong presence, due to his background as a former executive with the Brooklyn Nets.
While there has been some hesitance from current Big 12 members about adding UConn due to concerns about the football program’s performance, a cost-neutral approach may make the proposition more attractive. The Big 12 recently finalized new agreements with ESPN and Fox, which will see members receiving approximately $31.7 million annually.
A final decision is not immediate, and consensus among Big 12 members will need to be reached, with the conference expanding to a 16-team format after adding four schools from the Pac-12. UConn, which returned to the Big East in 2020 for most sports, has been an independent in football since leaving the American Athletic Conference, with a modest 10-27 record and one bowl appearance.
Despite football struggles, UConn’s men’s basketball program, under coach Dan Hurley, has risen in prominence, while the women’s basketball team continues to be a dominant force nationally.