A recent article about a prominent conference setting its sights on UConn might represent the initial phase in a potential severe blow to the prestigious Big East conference.
In the past decade, conference expansion has been a significant narrative in collegiate athletics. For many years, the Power 5 conferences dominated, yet they coexisted with various other notable leagues. However, as the worth of television rights reaches unprecedented levels, some conferences have increasingly encroached upon their rivals.
In recent years, the SEC, Big Ten, and Big 12 have secured several major acquisitions from other conferences. This has fortified their standing as premier content providers while considerably undermining rivals like the Pac 12, Big East, and ACC.
Historically, the Big East’s strength has resided in basketball. As long as they retain the celebrated UConn men’s and women’s basketball programs, the Big East maintains a stable position. Nonetheless, that foundation appears to be precarious.
Last year, there were whispers about the Big 12 aiming to attract the program that has clinched consecutive championships in men’s basketball. According to The Athletic, the conference has resumed that pursuit in recent months, despite assertions that it had concluded last summer.
The publication indicates that sources have revealed Big 12 and UConn decision-makers are scheduled to convene next week regarding a possible transition. Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark, a Northeastern native and former Brooklyn Nets executive, is said to have been working to recruit the Huskies to the league since last summer, prior to the acquisition of Pac 12 teams such as Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah.
Yormark has prioritized transforming the Big 12 into a premier basketball conference to enhance potential revenue in future television rights discussions. UConn rejoined the Big East in 2020, and a departure from it would be unexpected. However, The Athletic speculates that this move might aim to bolster the university’s football program by leveraging the Big 12 football brand recognition.
It remains uncertain whether all current member schools have agreed to adding UConn to the Big 12. Losing UConn would represent a significant setback for the Big East and could further diminish its status, transitioning it to a fringe conference in collegiate athletics rather than its previous role as a major entity.
Image Source: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock
