UConn’s return to the Big East in 2020 brought a wave of nostalgia and excitement for fans who cherished the Huskies’ glory days. Yet, in a landscape where college sports are constantly evolving, UConn might be on the move again, this time with the Big 12 in its sights. What could prompt such a significant shift, and what would this mean for one of the most storied programs in college basketball? Let's break it down.
A Powerhouse in the Making: UConn's Potential Big 12 Move
The buzz around UConn's possible leap to the Big 12 has been growing louder, and it's not just idle chatter. According to a report by The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand and Justin Williams, Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark is seriously considering expanding the conference to include UConn, a school that boasts powerhouse programs in both men’s and women’s basketball. This isn’t just about adding another team; it's about strategically enhancing the Big 12’s brand with a school that knows how to win—on and off the court.
While the focus may initially seem centered on basketball, the underlying motive for UConn’s interest in the Big 12 might surprise some. The university is eyeing this move primarily to boost its football program. Despite UConn's storied basketball legacy, the football team has struggled mightily, remaining independent since 2020 and not recording a winning season since 2010. This potential shift to the Big 12 could be the spark the football program desperately needs.
However, this isn't a simple switch that could happen overnight. If UConn were to join the Big 12, the football program wouldn't be able to participate in the conference right away. The Athletic reports that the Huskies’ football team might have to wait until the next television rights contract to join, or as they phrase it, "at the very least for several years." This delay could be a significant factor in whether UConn officials decide to pull the trigger on the move.
Strategic Talks and High Stakes
UConn’s potential leap to the Big 12 isn’t just speculative; it's actively being discussed at the highest levels. Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger reported that UConn officials met with Big 12 athletic directors in Dallas last week to further negotiations. This wasn’t just a courtesy call—this was about laying the groundwork for a potential expansion that could reshape the college sports landscape.
The next step? Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark is expected to present the idea of adding UConn to the league presidents next week. For the expansion to be approved, it will need a strong majority—12 of the 16 votes from the current members must be in favor. This means UConn’s fate is in the hands of the existing Big 12 schools, and their decision could have long-lasting implications not just for UConn but for the conference as a whole.
If the expansion is approved, UConn could join the Big 12 in all sports but football by 2026 at the latest, according to Dellenger’s report. This phased approach might seem like a compromise, but it could be the best strategy for ensuring UConn’s smooth transition into one of the most competitive conferences in the nation.
Big 12’s Bold Moves: A Changing Landscape
The Big 12 has been anything but stagnant in recent years, and the possible addition of UConn only underscores the conference’s aggressive approach to expansion. On July 1, the Big 12 officially expanded from 12 to 16 schools with the additions of Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah—four schools that departed the Pac-12, further weakening that conference and solidifying the Big 12 as a major player in the college sports landscape.
Adding UConn to the mix would not only bolster the Big 12’s basketball credentials but also provide the conference with a foothold in the Northeast, a region where it currently has little presence. This move could help the Big 12 become a truly national conference, with member schools stretching from coast to coast. The prospect of seeing UConn match up against traditional Big 12 powerhouses like Kansas in basketball or Texas in football is undoubtedly an exciting one for fans and could generate significant media attention and revenue for the conference.
UConn's Basketball Legacy: A Key Selling Point
One of the most compelling reasons for the Big 12 to consider adding UConn is the school’s unrivaled success in basketball. UConn’s men’s basketball team is the reigning national champion, having claimed back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023. Under the leadership of Coach Dan Hurley, the Huskies have reclaimed their place at the top of the college basketball world, a position they have frequently occupied over the past few decades.
On the women’s side, UConn’s dominance is even more pronounced. The Huskies have won an astounding 11 national titles under the legendary Coach Geno Auriemma, cementing their status as the gold standard in women’s college basketball. Auriemma’s teams have consistently been in the mix for national championships, and their inclusion in the Big 12 would immediately make the conference a powerhouse in women’s basketball.
The addition of UConn would undoubtedly raise the profile of the Big 12’s basketball programs, attracting top recruits and increasing the conference’s overall competitiveness. Imagine the intensity of conference play when UConn’s men’s and women’s teams square off against the likes of Baylor, Texas Tech, and Iowa State. These matchups would be must-see TV and could become some of the most anticipated games of the college basketball season.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
While the potential benefits of UConn joining the Big 12 are clear, the move would not be without its challenges. The most immediate hurdle is the delay in integrating UConn’s football program into the conference. As mentioned earlier, the Huskies would not be able to join the Big 12 in football until at least the next television rights contract, which could take several years. This delay could hinder UConn’s ability to recruit top talent and build a competitive football program in the short term.
Moreover, there’s the question of how UConn would fit into a conference that is traditionally centered in the Midwest and Southwest. The travel demands for UConn’s teams would increase significantly, as they would be required to play games against schools located thousands of miles away. This could strain the athletic department’s budget and potentially impact the performance of the teams.
On the flip side, joining the Big 12 would provide UConn with a level of exposure and financial stability that it currently lacks as an independent in football and a member of the Big East in other sports. The Big 12’s television contracts are among the most lucrative in college sports, and the increased revenue could help UConn invest in its athletic programs and facilities, ensuring long-term success.
Final Thoughts: A Potential Game-Changer
UConn’s potential move to the Big 12 is a story that every college sports fan should keep an eye on. The implications of such a move are vast, not just for UConn, but for the entire landscape of college athletics. This isn't just about geography or tradition; it's about survival and success in an era where conferences are looking to secure their future in an ever-changing environment.
For UConn, the decision to join the Big 12 could mark the beginning of a new chapter—one filled with challenges, but also with incredible opportunities. Whether it’s on the basketball court or the football field, UConn’s potential move to the Big 12 is a narrative that promises to be as thrilling as any game-winning shot or last-minute touchdown. As the discussions continue and the votes are tallied, fans of college sports can only wait with bated breath to see where this journey leads.
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