The Big 12 Conference is in preliminary discussions with the University of Connecticut (UConn) about the possibility of joining the league in all sports, though no official vote has been taken, and significant hurdles remain. According to sources, UConn Athletic Director David Benedict and Board Chair Daniel Toscano recently met with Big 12 athletic directors in Dallas to present their case for UConn’s inclusion, particularly focusing on football competitiveness and funding.
UConn’s presentation highlighted how the school could invest in football at a level comparable to current Big 12 programs. They also pointed to their rapid rise in the Big East football conference after joining in 2004 as evidence of their ability to compete. However, while some Big 12 members are supportive of the move, there has been notable pushback from others, particularly regarding the timing of the discussions and concerns about football’s benefits to the conference.
One of the main challenges UConn faces is the gap between its current football program and the more established Big 12 teams. To address this, the proposal includes a delay until 2031 for UConn’s football entry, allowing time for the program to bolster its funding and talent through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Meanwhile, UConn’s other sports, including its highly successful basketball programs, could join sooner, depending on negotiations or the 27-month waiting period to exit the Big East.
Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark has emphasized the importance of basketball as a financial driver for the conference, making UConn’s powerhouse basketball programs an attractive addition. The Huskies have a strong presence in the New York market and are coming off consecutive national titles in men’s basketball, with the women’s team maintaining its dominance for decades. This aligns with Yormark’s vision of boosting the conference’s basketball profile and television contracts.
Despite the appeal of UConn’s basketball programs, the decision to add the Huskies remains far from certain. The ultimate vote will require the approval of 12 out of 16 Big 12 presidents, and many remain undecided. The ongoing settlement discussions regarding the House v. NCAA case have also contributed to the hesitation among league officials.
The Big 12 recently expanded to 16 teams with the addition of Houston, BYU, Cincinnati, and UCF, as well as Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and Arizona State. Yormark has shown a proactive approach in securing the conference’s future, including an earlier attempt to add Gonzaga for basketball, though that deal did not materialize. Whether UConn will join the Big 12 remains uncertain, but the discussions mark a significant development in the ongoing evolution of the conference.
