The Big 12 could be in the expansion market again. This time, the league is considering adding UConn, sources told Action Network.
UConn would not join the Big 12 in football until 2031, but the Huskies’ back-to-back national champion men’s basketball team and Olympic sports teams could join as early as 2026, sources said.
Last week, UConn officials met in Dallas with Big 12 athletic directors. UConn “showcased how it would build in the future leading up to 2031 and invest more in football,” a source said.
Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark, who has been enamored by UConn’s basketball program and its Northeast media market, is expected to make a presentation to the Big 12’s presidents, who must approve any expansion additions.
If UConn is added, it may not be the Big 12’s last addition.
“Keep your eye on what happens in the ACC,” a source said.
Depending on Florida State and Clemson and their efforts to leave the ACC, other ACC schools also could become available, some of which have natural rivalries with Big 12 programs, a source said.
Since 2020, UConn has been a football independent but competes in the Big East in non-football sports. UConn would have to provide the Big East 27-months notice to leave, but that could be negotiated along with the $15 million exit fee.
UConn men’s basketball coach Dan Hurley is not against a move to the Big 12, a source said.
“He loves the Big East, but he understands the Big 12 provides more resources and more money,” the source said.
The addition of UConn would cement the Big 12’s status as the nation’s top basketball conference, joining heavyweights Kansas, Arizona and Houston.
Last year, Yormark said he was no longer involved with UConn or Gonazaga.
“We had conversations with UConn and Gonzaga, and unfortunately, things didn't work out,” Yormark said last year. “Only because the dream scenario unfolded for us (adding Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah), so those conversations are no longer.”
Yormark, though, never wavered on his interest in UConn.
“Yormark’s going to kick every tire possible,” a Big 12 athletic director said. “We’re open to looking at anything. UConn is a big brand, the biggest-branded institution in the Northeast.”
Sources said a key component to adding UConn is the 16 current Big 12 members would not see a reduction in revenue.
With UConn potentially joining in 2031, it would coincide with the Big 12’s next media rights deal. The Big 12’s current media rights deal with FOX and ESPN expires after the 2030-31 school year.
Although UConn’s football program hasn’t had a winning season since 2010, the belief is that being part of the “halo of the Big 12” would help build the Huskies’ football success, a source said.
The source brought up examples of the football programs at Arizona and Kansas, which struggled in past seasons but are coming off impressive 2023 seasons. Both the Wildcats and Jayhawks are expected to contend for the Big 12 football title this year.
“Just look at Arizona and Kansas a few years ago,” the source said. “There’s a huge media value up there [in the Northeast]. That’s why Yormark looks at it.”
The question is: will the Big 12 presidents pull the trigger?
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