Consulting Firm Pushes UConn's Potential Move to Big 12 Amid Opposition from Fox Sports

DALLAS — The University of Connecticut's possible move to the Big 12 Conference received a significant boost Monday, courtesy of a consulting firm that highlighted the benefits of adding the basketball powerhouse to the league. However, the proposal faces opposition from a key stakeholder: Fox Sports.

In a virtual briefing with Big 12 presidents and athletic directors, Endeavor, a consulting firm hired by the conference, presented the advantages of including UConn, particularly the potential to tap into the New York City television market. The move would require approval from 12 of the 16 conference schools. According to CBS Sports, six schools currently support the addition, two are opposed, and eight remain undecided.

Despite the potential benefits, Fox Sports reportedly opposes UConn's inclusion in the Big 12. The network recently secured a new television deal with the Big East, effective from the 2025-26 season through 2030-31, in which UConn's men’s and women’s basketball programs are considered significant assets. Additionally, Fox shares media rights to the Big 12 with ESPN in a deal that runs through 2030-31. Sources indicate that while ESPN is open to adjusting the agreement and paying extra for UConn’s inclusion, Fox is not.

Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark has shown interest in bringing UConn into the conference since he took the role in 2022. UConn officials recently made a presentation to the Big 12 outlining their case for joining. Should the proposal move forward, UConn would join the Big 12 in all sports except football by 2026, with the football program joining after the current Big 12 TV deal expires in 2031.

In terms of financial impact, The Athletic reported that Big 12 members were assured that UConn’s addition would be “budget-neutral,” meaning it would not reduce payouts to existing conference members.