Big 12 presidents are set to meet next week to talk about possibly inviting UConn to join the conference. This follows a proposal from UConn that included a significant investment in the school’s struggling football program, according to two sources familiar with the talks who spoke to The Associated Press on Friday.
The proposal suggests that UConn, which has won the last two men’s college basketball championships, would remain an independent football team until joining the Big 12 in 2031. It would also avoid reducing the revenue share for current conference members.
The sources asked to remain anonymous because the discussions were not being made public by the conference or the school.
The Athletic first reported that the Big 12 is considering UConn again.
UConn officials were in Dallas last week to pitch a plan to the Big 12 that includes substantial investments in their athletic programs, with most of the focus on improving the football team.
Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark, who previously worked with the Brooklyn Nets, has shown interest in expanding into the New York area market, where UConn has a strong following.
Spokespeople for UConn, the Big 12, and the Big East all declined to comment.
The Big 12 has been hesitant to add UConn because the football program has struggled for years, and there are concerns that UConn might not enhance the value of the league’s media rights deal.
