By SAM LANCE & ADAM ZAGORIA
The Big 12 Conference announced on Thursday that discussions with UConn to join the Big 12 have been “paused,” and a source told NJ Advance Media that it’s “likely” the Huskies will remain in the Big East for now.
“As Commissioner, it is my responsibility to explore a variety of value-creating opportunities on behalf of the Big 12,” Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark said, per CBS Sports. “Following detailed discussions with my conference colleagues alongside UConn leadership, we have jointly decided to pause our conversations at this time. We will instead focus our attention and resources to ushering in this new era of college athletics.”
According to multiple reports, UConn gave an in-person presentation to Big 12 officials three weeks ago, with a plan for the school to join the Big 12 in all sports except football by 2026.
UConn Athletic Director David Benedict acknowledged in a statement that the school had entered discussions with the Big 12 but confirmed that the conference has chosen to hold off on expansion talks for the time being.
Full story with quotes can be found here.
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