Yormark, Big 12 Eying Arizona for 14th Conference Member

The Big 12 Conference is searching for its 14th member

On Thursday, the Big 12 Conference announced Colorado will rejoin the league in 2024 to up its total to 13 following the departure of Oklahoma University and the University of Texas next summer. 

Then, on Friday, Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark began applying pressure to the Pac 12 Conference by looking to add a 14th member from the league by the 2024 season 

According to Pat Forde of Sports Illustrated, the Big 12 is looking at Pac 12 members Arizona, Arizona State and Utah or possibly looking east at the University of Connecticut, however, the short-term goal is to only add one team. 

Jan 7, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark talks with media on media day before the 2023 CFP National Championship game at Los Angeles Convention Center / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Specifically, the Big 12 wants answers quickly from one to three Pac-12 schools: Arizona, Arizona State and Utah. Adding one is the most likely scenario and its the short-term goal.

“We’re looking at 14,” a source says. Arizona appears to be the most likely of the three to go."

The Big 12 Conference is adding pressure to the situation, giving the institutions a deadline on the decision to join the Big 12 Conference, and it appears the Pac 12 members will have first bid, starting with Arizona. 

Meanwhile, UConn appears to be a longshot to join the league and additional research is needed before an offer is extended. 

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