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The Big 12 expansion is one of the most followed developments in college sports. As part of the larger conference realignment steps, their importance to audiences and stakeholders alike cannot be overstated. It was confirmed that Texas and Oklahoma would leave the Big 12 to compete in the SEC by 2024. Since then, the conference has been close to attracting new members.
A closer look at the Big 12’s expansion plans
The Big 12 has already reacted to the exit of Texas and Oklahoma with the addition of four new members. However, it is not quite finished yet and is considering adding two more members to its current tally. Names of potential expansion candidates have surfaced, and an official announcement may be in the works.
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The two major favorites expected to appear in the Big 12 expansion are Colorado and Arizona. The two schools, which are located in the western United States, will be an opportunity for the Big 12 to establish a presence in the West. Moreover, Colorado and Arizona are heavy players in football and basketball.
Other schools mentioned in connection with Big 12 expansion include UConn, Gonzaga, San Diego State, and Memphis. All teams are great in their own right, but none have the prestige and commercial value. Secondly, their positions do not open up new spheres of influence for the conference.
Whichever direction the Big 12 is moving, an official statement on the planned expansion has yet to be released. The favorites are Colorado and Arizona, but the odds are not entirely in favor of that happening.
Most opinions still rate the Big 12 Conference as a major conference. But it has endured the dominance of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Expanding to accommodate more teams, especially important ones like Arizona and Colorado, would bring them back to par with the SEC and the Big Ten.
The Big 12 expansion engine may remain speculative for a number of weeks. However, one can rest assured that the conference is working tirelessly to increase the number of its members. Any team joining the Big 12 may have to wait until at least 2024 before they can compete in the conference.
Ultimately, the ongoing realignments in college sports have affected most conferences, and the Big 12 is no exception. They did a good job rebounding, and it looks like they still have a lot going for them.
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