Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark is leading discussions within the conference to consider adding UConn, raising questions about the timing of extending the invite. Yormark expressed his belief in the advantageous timing for UConn to join the Big 12 during the Big 12 football media days in July. However, amidst significant shifts in college sports including the emergence of superconferences and a revamped College Football Playoff structure, the urgency to bring in a school that acknowledges it requires six years to ready its football program for the Big 12 is being deliberated.
UConn’s athletic director, David Benedict, made a trip to Dallas to present the Big East school to Big 12 administrators, initiating talks among conference ADs and presidents to evaluate Yormark’s proposal. To add a new member, the consensus of 12 out of the 16 Big 12 schools is necessary. While Yormark aims to garner support for UConn’s inclusion, concerns persist within the Big 12 about the swiftness of the decision-making process.
College sports are currently focused on comprehending the implications of the House v. NCAA settlement, a $2.8 billion agreement encompassing groundbreaking provisions for revenue-sharing with athletes starting in 2025-26. This landmark settlement prompts administrators, including those in the Big 12, to dive into complex discussions while concurrently navigating new developments such as the expanded College Football Playoff structure.
In the context of the evolving collegiate sports landscape, the Big 12’s positioning in the 12-team playoff is undergoing scrutiny, especially after losing Texas and Oklahoma to the Southeastern Conference. The proposition to bring in UConn emphasizes the school’s accomplished basketball programs and other sports contributions, aiming for their swift integration. However, challenges persist, particularly in addressing UConn’s struggling football program that would not formally join until 2031 following substantial investments by the university.
Yormark’s strategic vision underscores the importance of enhancing college basketball’s value, potentially leveraging UConn’s proficiency in basketball to enrich the Big 12’s media rights deals in the future. While the current media rights agreement extends until 2031, Yormark’s proactive approach and strategic initiatives have played a pivotal role in expanding the Big 12’s membership.
Despite initial pushback on previous expansion ideas, Yormark is resolute in his belief that UConn could offer long-term benefits to the Big 12 while simultaneously disrupting potential opportunities for the ACC. As discussions progress, the Big 12 faces pivotal decisions amidst a dynamic collegiate sports landscape that prioritizes competitiveness and financial viability.