Big 12 will make significant push for UConn (merged)

[CL82]

Thanks for that explanation. Now that makes more sense to me than all these Football only people I see on Twitter. But, I still feel bad for other sports that will need to find a new home like soccer and field hockey; both very successful at UConn. There are so many other sports on campus to consider. But I honestly don't know what sports are included in the B12 so I can't comment on the others.

Field hockey was a big east member back when we were a member of the American, so, if the big 12 doesn't offer it, they will probably stay in the big east. Which is a good thing, because it saves them the travel hassles that the big 12 will inevitably bring.

 

[Carnac]

Options for future viability are: the Big 10, the SEC, and the Big 12. The ACC is dying - schools are waiting to bolt once their league contracts expire - and the PAC 10 can’t get a media contract. They were supposed to have one by now and they don’t.

It’s not like UConn is at a buffet and can choose exactly what it wants. UConn has to grab the first offer for guaranteed financial security that it’s offered. The Big 10, unfortunately, isn’t interested.

In the past week to ten days (now having more information than I did then), and reading every comment here in the yard regarding the options and financial ramifications of joining the BIG 12 vs the ACC, vs staying put in the BIG East, I have done a 180 degree turnabout. It looks like the BIG 12 is the best option for UConn. It looks like the only option for UConn other than standing pat in the Big East.

"A high ranking member of the @UCONN administration who said that things will be exciting here this week, as we EXPECT to join the
@Big12Conference."

This is the best news I've heard this summer. If it makes dollars, it makes sense. Dollars make sense. This move makes dollars....lots of them. Dollars that UConn desperately need to balance their athletic department budget that is currently operating in the red.

Becoming a member of a P5 conference will make recruiting for the football program a lot easier, and facilitate the staff in turning their program around faster. I realize there are posters here that don't like this possible move. There are Big 12 fans that don't want UConn in the BIG 12. My only interest is the UConn WBB program. In my opinion, UConn should be able to hold their own in any P5 conference, including the BIG 12.

The BIG 12 executive committee just voted "unanimously" to accept Colorado in the conference. Based on the tweet from Jim Williams last night, we should be hearing news about UConn being voted in this week. A move to the BIG 12 will benefit UConn financially for decades to come, and allow it to operate its athletic programs in the black.

As you said Nan......."UConn has to grab the first offer for guaranteed financial security that is offered." He who hesitates is lost.

 

[HuskyNan]

Thanks for that explanation. Now that makes more sense to me than all these Football only people I see on Twitter. But, I still feel bad for other sports that will need to find a new home like soccer and field hockey; both very successful at UConn. There are so many other sports on campus to consider. But I honestly don't know what sports are included in the B12 so I can't comment on the others.

Field hockey never left the Big East even when other sports went to the AAC so I don’t see any reason that would change. Soccer isn‘t the powerhouse it had been so maybe a change would help if they don’t stay in the Big East

 

[Waquoit]

UConn would also have to find a place for Soccer, Field Hockey and any other sport the Big 12 doesn't carry. That's also why I'm not a fan of the move.

Not even close to deal breakers. If it happens, those sports will benefit. And find new homes where needed.

 

[MSGRET]

We all have our thoughts and theories on what will take in college alignment over the next few years. If the PAC 12 doesn’t get a significant media deal then chances are that they are doomed. For me being a UConn fan what takes place out west doesn’t matter.

What matters is what happens within the ACC. I believe if the Magnificent Seven (Miami, Florida State, Clemson, Virginia, Virginia Tech, North Carolina and NC State decide and figure out a way to exit their conference this helps UConn.

That conference is now defunct. The remaining schools or the Dismal Seven (Boston College, Duke, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Pittsburgh, Syracuse and Wake Forest keep the conference name and expand.

There are plenty of schools that wound want to be a part of this. You start with UConn. They are a perfect fit and the New York market. Add Temple. The Philly market. Yes, I know that they are a commuter school. But still. Add USF. They were part of the Old Big East just like these other school.

Other teams that would be awesome fits are Army, Navy and even Buffalo or Florida International. It’s basically a I-95 Conference with brand names.

Screw the Big 12. UConn doesn’t need them. They need to sit and wait to see where alignment goes in two years.

So which category is Norte Dame in? The Magnificent Seven or the Dismal Seven?

 

[Carnac]

Not even close to deal breakers. If it happens, those sports will benefit. And find new homes where needed.

The football team did, so can other programs......if necessary.

 

[TheFarmFan]

For those who subscribe to the Athletic, this article may be music to a UConn fan's ears looking for a P5 invite soon:

After Big 12 adds Colorado, what’s next? Pac-12 schools targets, but don’t sleep on UConn

Step one in Big 12 expansion is adding Colorado. Though a Pac-12 school could be targeted next, Brett Yormark also likes the idea of UConn.

theathletic.com

 

[broooce]

And if you subscribe to ESPN Insider, here is an article that adds information to The Athletic article

The domino effect of Colorado joining the Big 12

Colorado is leaving the Pac-12 for the Big 12 in the latest college sports realignment shock wave. What will the move mean for the future of both conferences?

www.espn.com

I think BYers can appreciate that Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark is driving the bus to add UConn and clearly sees the opportunity to strengthen the conference's basketball pedigree.

However I read somewhere else that if offered to join, the Big 12 presidents are not inclined to give UConn a similar share of media money that they're going to give Colorado. What do you think of that?

 

[broooce]

Another thought: it's intriguing to think of annual matchups between the Hurley brothers if both UConn and Arizona State were to invited to join the Big 12.

 

[huskeynut]

And if you subscribe to ESPN Insider, here is an article that adds information to The Athletic article

The domino effect of Colorado joining the Big 12

Colorado is leaving the Pac-12 for the Big 12 in the latest college sports realignment shock wave. What will the move mean for the future of both conferences?

www.espn.com

I think BYers can appreciate that Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark is driving the bus to add UConn and clearly sees the opportunity to strengthen the conference's basketball pedigree.

However I read somewhere else that if offered to join, the Big 12 presidents are not inclined to give UConn a similar share of media money that they're going to give Colorado. What do you think of that?

What the B 12 presidents are inclined to do and what they will do are totally different. Our AD and president are not going to roll over.

UConn will get a full share.

 

[Greg]

I think it makes some sense for UCONN to approach the ACC and tell them if they do not offer they are going to the Big 12 and the ACC ill regret that. Even though UCONN Football is abysmal it brings a lot in other areas. Travel in the ACC will be much better than the Big 12.

 

[UCONNRPh]

What the B 12 presidents are inclined to do and what they will do are totally different. Our AD and president are not going to roll over.

UConn will get a full share.

Not so sure about the full share

 

[broooce]

I think it's safe to surmise that UConn football is the potential drag on getting a full share. I think most BYers would value the strength of our basketball programs to just about make up for that if not entirely as it is a huge "get" for the Big 12.

Yet there are many schools that don't participate in certain sports in the Big 12 (as is the case in any conference). IMO UConn also brings a decent baseball, softball, women's volleyball and women's rowing to the Big 12. We don't have a women's gymnastics team nor wrestling, but many other members don't either. Most of UConn's other sports will add to the Big 12's existing participants with the exception of field hockey, ice hockey and women's lacrosse. BTW the Big 12 doesn't offer men's soccer.

FWIW we have greater overlap with the Big 12 than many other current members in their current sports, more so than Kansas State, Houston and Cincinnati.

 

[sun]

Colorado's jump to the Big 12 has prompted the ACC to emphasize how it also wants to expand due to the changing landscape.

ACC continuing to look at possible expansion, commissioner says

ACC commissioner Jim Phillips said the league continues to actively consider adding teams but has thus far not found enough value in any expansion option.

www.espn.com

 

[RedStickHusky]

I think it's safe to surmise that UConn football is the potential drag on getting a full share. I think most BYers would value the strength of our basketball programs to just about make up for that if not entirely as it is a huge "get" for the Big 12.

Yet there are many schools that don't participate in certain sports in the Big 12 (as is the case in any conference). IMO UConn also brings a decent baseball, softball, women's volleyball and women's rowing to the Big 12. We don't have a women's gymnastics team nor wrestling, but many other members don't either. Most of UConn's other sports will add to the Big 12's existing participants with the exception of field hockey, ice hockey and women's lacrosse. BTW the Big 12 doesn't offer men's soccer.

FWIW we have greater overlap with the Big 12 than many other current members in their current sports, more so than Kansas State, Houston and Cincinnati.

I would love to see UConn wrestling in the B12 some day...

 

[CONN78SEJ]

I think it makes some sense for UCONN to approach the ACC and tell them if they do not offer they are going to the Big 12 and the ACC ill regret that. Even though UCONN Football is abysmal it brings a lot in other areas. Travel in the ACC will be much better than the Big 12.

It’s better, but much better? I don’t know. Syracuse and BC are close by, but flying all the way to Tallahassee, Atlanta, and Clemson are draining, and Coral Gables is just as far as Texas and Kansas.

 

[hoophuskee]

But, I still feel bad for other sports that will need to find a new home like soccer and field hockey; both very successful at UConn.

I still don't understand your trepidation. Why is it exactly that "you feel bad" if they go to B12?

First off, you think the coaches or the kids that compete care who they play?

or Secondly, you think their recruiting is going to go down the tubes now that the program would get a massive influx of money? You don't think that extra money would help to recruit better / also make the program less likely to either go defunct or lower the recruiting priority/ keeping up the facilities etc.?

Third, in regard to travel, if UCONN gets the invite and agree to join, don't you think they have projected the estimated costs? SO, are you saying you have no confidence in their ability to even be remotely near their estimates? So, if they are that incompetent, then what would be the future outlook anyway?

Money rules everything if you want big time athletics. If you don't have the resources to get the money, eventually you will no longer compete nationally. So why "feel bad" if UCONN is able to get the money to allow all their sports to compete on a national level? You should feel happy - feel happy -- for the kids that chose to represent UCONN with a pretty-set-sure-knowledge that they will always be funded to compete on a National level, and be a part of something for years beyond their college days are over.

 

[Carnac]

I still don't understand your trepidation. Why is it exactly that "you feel bad" if they go to B12?

First off, you think the coaches or the kids that compete care who they play?

or Secondly, you think their recruiting is going to go down the tubes now that the program would get a massive influx of money? You don't think that extra money would help to recruit better / also make the program less likely to either go defunct or lower the recruiting priority/ keeping up the facilities etc.?

Third, in regard to travel, if UCONN gets the invite and agree to join, don't you think they have projected the estimated costs? SO, are you saying you have no confidence in their ability to even be remotely near their estimates? So, if they are that incompetent, then what would be the future outlook anyway?

Money rules everything if you want big time athletics. If you don't have the resources to get the money, eventually you will no longer compete nationally. So why "feel bad" if UCONN is able to get the money to allow all their sports to compete on a national level? You should feel happy - feel happy -- for the kids that chose to represent UCONN with a pretty-set-sure-knowledge that they will always be funded to compete on a National level, and be a part of something for years beyond their college days are over.

Well said HH!! UConn must have a “continuous” high revenue stream if they want to compete at the highest levels. A move to the Big 12 if invited would be a no-brainer because that move would guarantee said stream.

I can’t understand why any fan would be opposed to their school trying to place itself in a better more stable financial environment. The possible travel consequences for its athletes will take care of themselves. Team travel dynamics should be the least of their worries.

 

[ConnMotors]

So which category is Norte Dame in? The Magnificent Seven or the Dismal Seven?

They are the second coming of the Evil Empire. ND is part of the ACC but they also are not.

 

[HuskyNan]

 

[Carnac]

I figured 1-2 more PAC 12 (the PAC 9 now) schools would join Colorado in jumping ship. At this rate, the “PAC” conference will cease to exist by the end of the summer. With these PAC schools willing to join the BIG 12, that doesn’t look good for UConn.

How many more new schools do they want to join? So if Swaim is correct, the PAC conference could be down to 6 members by the end of next week. There goes any chance of a viable TV deal for that conference.

 

[sun]

"A couple of industry sources questioned how Colorado was able to obtain a full share of Big 12 media rights revenue ($31.7 million) beginning in 2025. ESPN and Fox have agreed to pay Colorado -- and reportedly any other Power Five addition to the Big 12 -- equal value, which means an extra $190 million paid out per team over those six years."

MSN

 

[Carnac]

"A couple of industry sources questioned how Colorado was able to obtain a full share of Big 12 media rights revenue ($31.7 million) beginning in 2025. ESPN and Fox have agreed to pay Colorado -- and reportedly any other Power Five addition to the Big 12 -- equal value, which means an extra $190 million paid out per team over those six years."

MSN

If that's true, Colorado hit the lottery. We can expect to see other PAC members bailout of the conference in the coming days/weeks. The PAC Conference is losing members faster than they can replace them. The PAC Conference is not looking very attractive to prospective new members right now. Current member schools are leaving and there's no TV deal in place. I would imagine the PAC commissioner George Kliavkoff will try and raid the surrounding/nearby conferences for replacements........Big West, Mountain West, West Coast, Conference USA, and the BIG Sky.
The members schools of these conferences are all mid-majors.

 

[sun]

If that's true, then we can expect to see other PAC members bailout of the conference in the coming days/weeks. The PAC Conference is losing members faster than they can replace them. The PAC Conference is not looking very attractive to prospective new members right now. Member schools are leaving and No TV deal in place yet.

Yes, that would effectively give the Big 12 carte blanche.
The networks must really want to prop up the Big 12, at least for now while they're in the re-building (re-alignment) stage.
But no one is sure how many teams that the Big 12 wants to add right now.

 

[hoophuskee]

So, this means that the prior tweet you posted that UCONN will get an invite by the end of the week is dead?

 

[ConnMotors]

Colorado leaving the PAC has widened and opened the eyes of many in the West. If the two Arizona schools decide to pac their bags and leave then there is a serious issue at hand. Would it be wise for the remaining school to pluck schools from other conferences or smarter to combine forces with the Mountain West. Most articles that I have read all mentioned San Diego State, SMU and possibly Hawaii. Oregon and Washington are the brand schools that rule the PAC now. It will be interesting to see what they do.

 

[CONN78SEJ]

So, this means that the prior tweet you posted that UCONN will get an invite by the end of the week is dead?

I have a bad feeling about all this. Hope to God I’m wrong.

 

[visitingcock]

"A couple of industry sources questioned how Colorado was able to obtain a full share of Big 12 media rights revenue ($31.7 million) beginning in 2025. ESPN and Fox have agreed to pay Colorado -- and reportedly any other Power Five addition to the Big 12 -- equal value, which means an extra $190 million paid out per team over those six years."

MSN

I’ve been wondering how a pie can be cut into more pieces without reducing the size of each piece. Are they saying that the Big 12’s pie will increase in size with any additional school or only select additions?

 

[Carnac]

The PAC 12 Conference today.

 

[HitDog]

I’ve been wondering how a pie can be cut into more pieces without reducing the size of each piece. Are they saying that the Big 12’s pie will increase in size with any additional school or only select additions?

From reports if the Big 12 added teams from P5 conferences the networks would increase their payments so they would get the same as the other schools.