IMO, the worst case with joining the B12 is seeing multiple schools jump ship to greener pastures over time. Our basketball program likely would’ve continued to thrive in the AAC if the coaching staff had more focus, so not concerned with joining any competitive conference with respect to hoops.
Joining would bolster the bank account & put us in a competitive conference for all sports - with the (painfully obnoxious) “power 5” label. Even if multiple schools eventually get poached, the laggards would likely stay together & add other laggards from other P5 conferences. It’s not the best fit, but it’s an attractive option & moves the ball forward in multiple areas.
I love the Big East & would love to make staying work long term - just don’t think it’s a possibility if the vision is to maintain relevance, let alone enhance performance at D1 level in football.