UConn’s potential move to the Big 12 was heavily promoted Monday by a consulting firm that touted the benefits of expanding the conference to include that basketball giant.
However, according to CBS Sports, one party with a vested interest in UConn’s future, Fox Sports, is against the move.
In a virtual briefing with Big 12 presidents and athletic directors, Big 12 consultant Endeavor outlined the benefits of adding UConn, which would open up the New York television market. Twelve of the conference’s 16 schools would have to agree to add UConn. According to CBS Sports, six schools have indicated they would vote “yes” if such a proposal were voted on today, while two would vote “no” and eight are undecided.
Fox, however, is opposed to the potential move for several reasons. Fox and the Big East recently agreed to a new TV contract that will run from 2025-26 to 2030-31, and UConn men’s and women’s basketball obviously make up a large part of the value of that package.
Additionally, Fox and ESPN’s joint media rights agreement with the Big 12, which runs through the 2030-31 season, would have to be changed if UConn joined the conference. According to multiple sources, ESPN is willing to pay additional money for the rights, but Fox is not.
Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark has had his eye on UConn since taking office in 2022. UConn representatives recently made a presentation to the conference. According to CBS Sports, if approved, UConn would join the conference in all sports except football by 2026. That program would join the conference after the current Big 12 TV contract expires in 2031.
As for revenue, The athlete It was reported that Big 12 members were told that UConn’s addition would be “budget neutral” and would not reduce payouts to current conference members.
The meeting on Monday was for information purposes only.
“Nothing was even close to being decided,” a source told CBS Sports.
(CBS Sports)
