But UConn is more valuable than Syracuse, Pittsburgh, or Louisville. Yes, if the ACC implodes they may be able to get Duke and some others who fall shy of the B1G or SEC, but they can't afford to wait until 2036 to expand.
The bottom line is UConn is more valuable than the average current B12 member, so UConn raises the per-school value of the conference. So it makes sense to grow.
I think it's more about who to pair with us, and landing on a good number of schools, and geography / travel costs / identity. If the B12 is committed to going East then UConn will be in. If they want to avoid the East, or need an even number of schools, then it may get tricky.