Big 12 discussions regarding UConn’s potential membership are reportedly underway, with plans indicating that the university’s football team would remain independent until joining the conference in 2031. This arrangement aims to protect the current revenue shares for existing members, allowing them to maintain their financial stability.
The Athletic was the first to highlight the Big 12’s renewed interest in the University of Connecticut.
Last week, UConn officials traveled to Dallas to propose a strategy for significant investments in their athletic programs, with a strong emphasis on enhancing the football team, according to sources.
Brett Yormark, the Big 12 Commissioner and former executive with the Brooklyn Nets, has expressed a long-standing interest in expanding the conference’s footprint into the New York market, where UConn has a passionate fan base.
However, representatives from UConn, the Big 12, and the Big East have all chosen not to comment on the ongoing discussions.
The Big 12 has been hesitant about adding UConn, primarily due to concerns over the underperformance of its football program, which has struggled for years. There are worries that UConn may not contribute positively to the conference’s media rights agreement.
Nevertheless, a cost-neutral addition of UConn could present an attractive option for the Big 12.
Sources indicated to the AP that a final decision is not expected soon, as Yormark needs to build consensus among the current Big 12 members. The conference is entering its first season as a 16-team league after welcoming Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah from the Pac-12 last year.
Although UConn’s appeal to the Big 12 waned after these recent additions, Yormark’s interest in the university remains strong.
In 2020, UConn rejoined the Big East for most sports after departing from the American Athletic Conference. Since then, the Huskies have operated as a football independent, with a record of 10-27 and just one bowl appearance.
As Army joins the American Athletic Conference this year and UMass prepares for a move to the Mid-American Conference in 2025, UConn and Notre Dame will stand as the last remaining major college football independents.
Despite the struggles of its football program, UConn’s men’s basketball team has regained its status as a powerhouse in the Big East under the leadership of Coach Dan Hurley. Meanwhile, the women’s basketball program continues to be recognized as one of the finest in the nation.
