The Big 12 Conference and the University of Connecticut (UConn) have mutually agreed to pause their discussions regarding UConn’s potential addition to the conference.
“As commissioner, it is my responsibility to explore a variety of value-creating opportunities on behalf of the Big 12,” said Brett Yormark, the Big 12 commissioner, on Thursday, as reported by The Associated Press’ Ralph D. Russo. “Following detailed discussions with my conference colleagues alongside UConn leadership, we have jointly decided to pause our conversations at this time.”
UConn’s athletic director David Benedict confirmed the halt in discussions, stating, “It is always our objective to put UConn in the very best position for future success, so we did engage in exploratory dialogue with the Big 12. Ultimately, the Big 12 determined that it will pause on conversations about membership expansion.”
Back in August, reports surfaced that the Big 12 and UConn were in talks about a plan that would allow UConn’s football team to remain independent until 2031 before formally joining the conference. The plan aimed to avoid revenue reductions for current conference members.
During the discussions, UConn reportedly made a case for a significant investment in its football program as part of its pitch to the Big 12. However, UConn’s football performance has struggled, with the team posting a 10-28 record since 2021. The school became an independent football program in 2020 but did not play any games that year due to the pandemic.
Despite the football program’s difficulties, UConn’s basketball programs have thrived since the school returned to the Big East Conference in 2020. The men’s basketball team has won consecutive NCAA Tournament championships, while the women’s team has reached the national semifinal or final in three of the last four years.
The Big 12 recently expanded its membership to 16 teams, adding Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah ahead of the 2024 season.
