Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark is pushing to add UConn to the conference, marking renewed efforts in the Big 12’s ongoing expansion.
UConn, based in the Northeast, brings a strategic advantage with its successful men’s and women’s basketball programs and a potential boost to the conference’s profile.
A meeting is scheduled to dive deeper into UConn’s membership possibilities.
Support among Big 12 presidents remains uncertain, requiring a supermajority of 12 out of 16 votes for expansion.
Yormark’s main goal is to bolster the Big 12’s basketball standing, as UConn’s Northeast presence and basketball success make the school a valuable addition.
Financially, the move is expected to be budget-neutral for the Big 12, ensuring no reduction in revenue payouts to current members.
If the bid is successful, UConn’s football team would likely join the Big 12 later, possibly aligning with the next TV rights contract.
This aligns with Yormark’s strategic vision for aggressive expansion, having already added eight teams in two years.
The addition of UConn would further solidify the Big 12’s position as a powerhouse in college basketball.
Why Would UConn Move to Big 12?
UConn’s potential move to the Big 12 is being considered for several key reasons.
The university seeks to improve its football program and gain access to more lucrative TV deals.
Big 12’s Recent Expansions
In recent years, the Big 12 has aggressively expanded. It added UCF, Cincinnati, BYU, and Houston, bringing the total to 16 members.
The efforts ramped up with further additions of Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah.
These moves aim to solidify the conference’s status, especially in college basketball.
New TV deals with ESPN and Fox will start next year, paying each member $31.7 million annually.
UConn’s Athletic Programs Financial Problems
UConn is experiencing financial challenges, particularly with its football program.
The team has struggled since becoming independent, failing to post a winning record since joining the Big East in 2020.
Joining the Big 12 could provide the needed financial boost.
UConn’s successful men’s and women’s basketball programs also make it an attractive addition, given the Big 12’s focus on enhancing its basketball profile.
The school has already presented its case in-person, focusing on potential football improvements and ensuring no cuts in revenue for current Big 12 members.
How UConn Leaving Affects the Big East
If UConn leaves the Big East for the Big 12, it could impact the Big East significantly in terms of television deals, financial aspects, personnel changes through the transfer portal, and the future of the conference.
Current Television Deal Details
The Big East’s current television deal is majorly with Fox Sports, providing significant exposure for the conference’s basketball games.
This deal has been crucial for visibility and revenue.
UConn’s departure could reduce the value of this deal given UConn’s strong basketball programs. The network could renegotiate terms, potentially lowering payments to remaining schools, affecting overall media revenue and viewership ratings.
Financial Impact of UConn Leaving
Financially, UConn’s exit would affect the Big East’s revenue distribution.
UConn has consistently drawn large crowds and TV ratings, contributing significantly to the overall income.
Without UConn, the revenue pool could shrink. This would mean less money for other programs, requiring adjustments to budgets or seeking additional funding sources to make up for the shortfall.
Not determinative but worth noting that we may be on the verge of a significant uptick in women’s basketball rights and while it’s not football money, no one is more valuable than UConn. https://t.co/qsy8CI46Jb
— No Escalators (@NoEscalators) August 24, 2024
Transfer Portal Impact
The transfer portal might see more activity with UConn’s move.
Players who committed to the Big East experience might reconsider their options. Conversely, UConn could attract athletes interested in the Big 12’s competitive environment.
Coaches within the Big East would need to navigate potential roster changes, impacting team stability and strategy moving forward.
Future of the Conference
Looking ahead, the Big East will need to strategize to maintain its competitive edge.
This might include targeting other strong basketball schools for membership, possibly revisiting expansion efforts with programs like Gonzaga.
The league’s presidents would need to work collaboratively to ensure the conference remains appealing to recruits, sponsors, and fans, safeguarding its reputation as a top basketball conference.
How UConn Joining Affects the Big 12
UConn’s potential addition to the Big 12 brings several significant impacts. These range from financial implications, changes to current television deals, and effects on the transfer portal and conference future.
Current Television Deal Details
The Big 12’s new television deal with ESPN and Fox starts next year. Each member school is set to receive $31.7 million annually.
The inclusion of UConn is projected to be budget-neutral, ensuring no reduction in revenue payouts to existing members.
The next media rights deal, which may affect UConn’s football inclusion, is a key factor in these discussions.
Financial Impact of UConn Joining
If UConn joins, their addition would be structured to not impact the financial revenues of current Big 12 members.
UConn’s entry will focus on basketball initially, leaving football independent until the next TV rights contract.
There are plans to meet made investment thresholds by 2031. This arrangement makes the potential addition financially viable for the Big 12.
Transfer Portal Impact
With UConn joining, the transfer portal activity might increase.
High-profile basketball programs like UConn’s men’s and women’s teams could draw new talent to the Big 12.
Players looking for strong basketball competition and exposure will find the Big 12 appealing. This could create a more dynamic and competitive environment for incoming and existing athletes.
Future of the Conference
The Big 12 has expanded aggressively in recent years, adding Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah.
Bringing in UConn continues this trend, strengthening its basketball profile further.
While UConn is geographically distant from other Big 12 schools, its inclusion showcases the conference’s willingness to grow and adapt.
Strategic expansions and new TV deals are vital for securing the Big 12’s future.
UConn’s integration would add to the conference’s prestige, particularly in basketball, making the Big 12 a formidable league in collegiate sports.
Challenges and Concerns of UConn Joining the Big 12
Distance and Travel
UConn is geographically distant from other Big 12 schools. This creates longer travel times, potentially increasing costs and causing fatigue for athletes.
The increased travel could also impact the student-athletes’ academic performance due to time away from campus.
Financial Strain
Joining the Big 12 entails significant investments in facilities and football program enhancements.
UConn would need to meet investment thresholds to be competitive, which could strain its budget.
While projections suggest a cost-neutral move, the initial expenses remain a concern.
Football Program Weakness
UConn’s football team has struggled as an independent, posting a record of 10-27.
This weak performance raises doubts about its ability to compete in the Big 12.
The team wouldn’t join the conference until 2031, leaving a gap that could impact the school’s appeal.
Supermajority Requirement
For UConn to join, 12 out of 16 Big 12 presidents must approve the move.
Uneven support among presidents makes achieving this supermajority a challenge. Without sufficient backing, the expansion could face significant hurdles.
Competition Level
The Big 12 is a highly competitive conference, especially in football and basketball.
UConn’s teams, particularly its football program, would face stiff competition.
This could affect its win-loss records and overall program morale.
Strategic Fit
The addition of UConn aligns with Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark’s vision to boost the conference’s basketball profile.
However, skepticism remains due to UConn’s football independent status and current performance.
Logistical Challenges
Logistical challenges include scheduling, coordination of events, and aligning with the Big 12’s existing infrastructure.
These operational issues could complicate the transition and integration of UConn into the conference.
Brett Yormark’s Strategic Vision
Renewed Efforts
Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark is renewing efforts to add UConn to the conference.
Discussions with UConn resumed earlier this year after pausing post-expansion with Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah.
Meeting Scheduled
A meeting is scheduled next week to discuss UConn’s potential membership in detail.
Support among Big 12 presidents is uncertain; a supermajority of 12 out of 16 votes is required for expansion.
UConn’s Goals
UConn aims to strengthen its struggling football program by joining the Big 12.
If accepted, UConn’s football team would not join the conference until the next TV rights contract or several years later.
Basketball Focus
Yormark aims to enhance the Big 12’s basketball profile.
UConn’s successful men’s and women’s basketball teams and its Northeast location are significant draws.
Financial Implications
The Big 12’s new TV deal with ESPN and Fox, starting next year, will pay each member $31.7 million annually.
UConn’s addition is projected to be budget-neutral, ensuring no reduction in revenue payouts to existing members.
In-Person Pitch
UConn officials made an in-person pitch in Dallas, focusing on football improvements.
The plan would keep UConn’s football team independent until 2031, ensuring no revenue cuts for current Big 12 members.
Skepticism and Appeal
Yormark faces skepticism from Big 12 members due to UConn’s weak football performance.
A cost-neutral addition could be more appealing to the conference.
Negotiation Details
UConn would join the Big 12 in all sports except football by 2026.
Football would join in 2031 if certain investment thresholds are met. UConn would not receive a full revenue share initially.
Geographical and Competitive Factors
UConn is geographically far from other Big 12 schools.
The conference’s basketball strength makes it an attractive fit for UConn.
Significant investment is needed for UConn’s football program to join the Big 12.
Strategic Vision
Yormark’s pursuit of UConn aligns with his aggressive expansion strategy.
The Big 12 has added eight teams in two years following Texas and Oklahoma’s departure to the SEC.
The Big 12 is negotiating naming rights with Allstate Insurance and exploring private equity deals.
Potential Realignment
UConn’s addition would mark another significant realignment in college sports. Recent moves include USC, UCLA, Oklahoma, and Texas.