Conversations around the Big 12 potentially adding Gonzaga and the University of Connecticut are “no longer,” commissioner Brett Yormark said on the “Marchand and Ourand Sports Media Podcast” on Wednesday. Here’s what you need to know:
- The Big 12 added Houston, Cincinnati, UCF and BYU last year, then brought in Arizona, Arizona State, Utah and Colorado in recent weeks.
- Yorkmark — who assumed his role a year ago this month — said the possibility of adding UConn and Gonzaga only lapsed because his conference was able to carry out its ideal expansion plans.
- “I did have conversations with UConn and Gonzaga, and unfortunately, things didn’t work out, only because the dream scenario unfolded for us. So those conversations are no longer,” Yormark said. “I’m a big admirer of both of those programs. They’re fantastic for all the right reasons. But right now I’m focused on the transition of those four (new additions) in right now.”
MandO pod: “With realignment, are you done?”
Big 12 commish Brett Yormark:Listen here:
Apple: https://t.co/rFlEXjxZAL
Spotify: https://t.co/8s5yDk5Qpi
Google: https://t.co/SiOd4FzRxB pic.twitter.com/2gVxsH0GxF— John Ourand (@Ourand_SBJ) August 16, 2023
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
Why this isn’t surprising
The Big 12 was…
