With the Big 12 Conference reportedly in “serious” expansion talks with UConn, a new report from Action Network‘s Brett McMurphy says there’s another layer to possible Big 12 expansion.
According to McMurphy, if the Big 12 was to bring UConn on board, it would then turn its focus to ACC teams, including teams that could have natural rivalries with the Big 12.
“Keep your eye on what happens in the ACC,” a source told McMurphy.
McMurphy adds that depending on Florida State and Clemson and their efforts to leave the ACC, other ACC schools also could become available, some of which have natural rivalries with Big 12 programs.
This shouldn’t come as a shocker to Big 12 fans who have been monitoring the college sports landscape.
It’s well reported that Florida State and Clemson want to get out of the ACC. So the next question becomes, how can they get out, and when can they get out? Which would then lead to the question of whether or not the SEC or Big 10 would want them?
As Paul Finebaum noted an in exclusive Heartland College Sports interview this week, there doesn’t appear to be an apeitite to add those schools by the SEC.
“I don’t think there’s any appetite right now. I mean, I’ve watched this thing over three years trying to incorporate two programs into the SEC. It’s very difficult,” Finebaum said. “They didn’t even come up with a plan until Wednesday of this week for a tiebreaker system, and even that one goes on for about 60 pages. So things are complex. I think a lot of folks are still wrapping their arms around it.”
“Every time you bring in a new school, that means the pie gets divvied up even more. They are just now, starting next week, the brand new ESPN-ABC contract. Working at ESPN, I don’t think they’re eager to pay more money just to get a couple of more schools and, who would they get? North Carolina is the name you hear the most. Well, okay, I mean, does that mean anything to sec fans in Alabama or Louisiana or Texas? Not really,” Finebaum added.
As for UConn, it’s important to note that, per McMurphy, sources said a key component to adding UConn is the 16 current Big 12 members would not see a reduction in revenue.
The report adds that the Big 12 could bring in UConn basketball as soon as 2026, with football joining in 2031. The 2031 timeline would coincide with the Big 12’s next media rights deal. The Big 12’s current media rights deal with FOX and ESPN expires after the 2030-31 school year.
