Key tweets, and it's all gone to Hell.

[UConnJim]

It's hard to say how long it's "dragged on" for certain. We pitched to the XII in 2016 and last year. These reports broke last Friday but renewed talks have been certainly going on for a while. Hopefully today was the last piece of the puzzle ($) before a vote.

You have to remember, there are only 8 schools in the current Big 12 that were in the Big 12 back in 2016. The other 8 have to be brought up to speed on what UConn does for the Big 12. This vetting by the Big 12 seems much deeper than what happened in 2023. In 2023, the Big 12 was looking for a 14th school to pair with Colorado and this time it feels like a UConn add is positioning the Big 12 for the future.

 

[jostar1]

The press from this is amazing and the timing is perfect. Shows we care about football and supporting the players with NIL.

I hope it makes it to the Big 12 meetings.

 

[NJHusky]

Yup. And it’s also reported that ESPN would pony up for UConn this year too but Fox will not (since they have us for cheap). So that’s the issue.

The fact that talks continue is in our favor.

Ok. So we won’t play on fox. Only espn

 

[huskymedic]

 

[jostar1]

Why can’t Fox shave off from the big east contract whatever they would pay us in the big 12? they could renegotiate the BE deal if schools left

That's what the Front Office Sports story above said what would happen to the Big East contract. I don't know if we would get the money, though. The other schools have to get some money to offset their travel costs in order to make it revenue-neutral for them.

 

[UConn Dan]

UConn talk starts around 1:15 mark and only two minutes. The short clip in the tweet pretty much sums it up.

It’s weird because I thought Vannini was initially saying it was a done deal but maybe that was me projecting lol

 

[That Guy]

 

[huskymedic]

 

[bendm]

What is the “Big12 Consultant’s Endeavor”?

 

[ihatepants]

What is the “Big12 Consultant’s Endeavor”?

Endeavor is the name of the outside consultants the Big 12 hired specifically for branding and sports media.

 

[huskymedic]

What is the “Big12 Consultant’s Endeavor”?

Endeavor is the name of the outside consultants the Big 12 hired specifically for branding and sports media.

Big 12 Conference Appoints WME Sports and IMG Media to Lead Global Content and Commercial Strategy

The Big 12 Conference today announced it has appointed WME Sports and IMG Media, both Endeavor companies, to facilitate its global content and commercial strategy. Leaning into the expertise of the broader Endeavor network, WME Sports and IMG Media will lead the Big 12’s:

big12sports.com

 

[bendm]

Endeavor is the name of the outside consultants the Big 12 hired specifically for branding and sports media.

Oh. Consultants shouldn’t be plural that threw me off.

 

[bendm]

Big 12 Conference Appoints WME Sports and IMG Media to Lead Global Content and Commercial Strategy

The Big 12 Conference today announced it has appointed WME Sports and IMG Media, both Endeavor companies, to facilitate its global content and commercial strategy. Leaning into the expertise of the broader Endeavor network, WME Sports and IMG Media will lead the Big 12’s:

big12sports.com

IMG is our licensing agent as well. That’s a nice coincidence.

 

[drayenob]

What is the “Big12 Consultant’s Endeavor”?

Endeavor | Sports and Entertainment

We are a global sports and entertainment company, home to many of the world’s most dynamic and engaging storytellers, brands, live events, and experiences.

endeavorco.com

 

[NJHusky]

Oh. Consultants shouldn’t be plural that threw me off.

You want media in Big 12 country to use proper English???

 

[superjohn]

You want media in Big 12 country to use proper English???

Not funny.

 

[huskymedic]

IMG is our licensing agent as well. That’s a nice coincidence.

University of Connecticut Extends Relationship with IMG - University of Connecticut Athletics

STORRS, Conn. – IMG announced today that it has agreed to a 15-year extension with the University of Connecticut to remain the exclusive multimedia rights holder

uconnhuskies.com

 

[jostar1]

 

[GG]

Putting two-and-two together, maybe that is the purpose for the leak that was made on Friday by the B12.

Initial B12 conversations with Fox about UConn expansion probably came back "there is no chance we are giving additional $ for UConn since we already have them locked in on the cheap with the Big East with the new BE contract". But the whole "all-sport in '26 and football in '31 for the B12" may be a planned leak to push them to give some additional $ for the UConn B12 expansion (certainly won't be pro-rata, but can we get half of the Fox pro-rata rate?).

Safe to say, the media partners probably get really excited about the prospect of UConn playing some of these top teams in the Big 12.

 

[Drew]

What makes no sense to me is that if we were going to be the team that goes with Colorado pre-collapse, didn't they already do this stuff? It doesn't add up. It's not like anything has materially changed

It’s a process every time, even if you lean towards an outcome you still have to go through the steps/check the boxes. Sports media landscape has changed even in the last 12 months, plus there’s 4 new Big 12 members who weren’t here to consider UConn’s candidacy last go round that need to understand the numbers, learn about the school and potential fit, etc

 

[Drew]

Big 12 presidents pitched on potential UConn addition, but lack of consensus likely to prolong decision

CBS Sports verified that six Big 12 schools are in favor of adding the Huskies if a vote were taken today

www.cbssports.com

Big 12 presidents were briefed Monday about the possible addition of UConn to the league without taking action, CBS Sports has learned. The league's lack of unanimity on the issue will require ongoing discussions as the possible next round of realignment looms, sources told CBS Sports.

CBS Sports was able to verify six Big 12 schools in favor of UConn's addition with two against if a vote were taken today. Those schools did not want to be identified because of the sensitivity of the issue. It takes a super majority (at least 12 of the 16 Big 12 schools) to approve such a move.

 

[uconnbaseball]

Big 12 presidents pitched on potential UConn addition, but lack of consensus likely to prolong decision

CBS Sports verified that six Big 12 schools are in favor of adding the Huskies if a vote were taken today

www.cbssports.com

Big 12 presidents were briefed Monday about the possible addition of UConn to the league without taking action, CBS Sports has learned. The league's lack of unanimity on the issue will require ongoing discussions as the possible next round of realignment looms, sources told CBS Sports.

CBS Sports was able to verify six Big 12 schools in favor of UConn's addition with two against if a vote were taken today. Those schools did not want to be identified because of the sensitivity of the issue. It takes a super majority (at least 12 of the 16 Big 12 schools) to approve such a move.

Don’t think this is good for us. Even though that puts us at a 75% pace, I doubt they add us with that much dissent. Fox opposing is also bad.

I think the most likely scenario is this being “postponed” but UConn taking a spot from BC or Wake if & when the ACC falls apart.

 

[zls44]

John come on.

Do you really think this is going in front of the Presidents knowing this won’t pass?

This is not the ACC.

LOL you were saying

 

[Ucxc24]

Lucy better start getting that football ready

 

[jostar1]

Don’t think this is good for us. Even though that puts us at a 75% pace, I doubt they add us with that much dissent. Fox opposing is also bad.

Aren't we at 50%? We need 12 Yes votes and we have 6 so far that we know of.

2 are No's and 8 are unknown or undecided.

Hope Yormark can convince them.