• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Potential Gonzaga-Big 12 Move Has ‘Overwhelming Support’

  • The Big 12 has restarted discussions with Gonzaga about joining the conference.
  • Some stakeholders within the Big 12 are reportedly opposed to adding the Bulldogs.
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

The Big 12’s quest for further expansion may have some kinks to work out, but Gonzaga appears to have a good chance of entering the conference if it wants to.

Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark has “overwhelming support” from the majority of school presidents and athletic directors in his effort to add Gonzaga, a source told Front Office Sports. The presidents have given Yormark permission to fully vet Gonzaga’s addition and pursue it in greater detail. 

This week, news leaked that the Big 12 and Gonzaga had resumed talks, which initially began in 2022, for the Bulldogs to be the 17th member of the Big 12 for all sports except football. But then USA Today reported that there was some internal pushback among several Big 12 administrators about adding another high-level men’s basketball program. 

The addition would strengthen an already powerful basketball conference that’s home to recent national champions Kansas and Baylor.

That pushback is coming from a few athletic directors, the same source tells FOS. The school presidents would ultimately be the ones to vote on the matter.

Numbers Game

Adding a 17th school — Gonzaga or any other  — would almost certainly mean the Big 12 would seek to bring on a second new school to get to an even 18. Connecticut was also in discussions to join the Big 12 during the most recent phase of realignment.

Next season, the Big Ten is growing to 18 schools for all sports, including football, with the additions of Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Warner Bros. Discovery CEO’s About-Face on Media Rights: ‘We Love the NBA’

After saying WBD doesn’t ‘have to have the NBA,’ Zaslav now calls the league ‘great.’

Disney’s Bumpy Streaming Transition: ESPN+ Subscribers Drop Again

ESPN+ shows a third retreat in subscribers in the last four quarters and posts a $65 million operating loss.
Dec 2, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint (1) reacts in the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Why a College Athletes’ Rights Group Is Setting Employee Status Aside

The organization endorsed a new collective bargaining model where athletes remain amateurs.
Mystic Dan

Kentucky Derby Roars Back With Big TV Numbers, Inks NBC Extension

The Triple Crown horse race posts an extended set of audience and betting increases.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Sir Charles Could Be Hot Free Agent if TNT Loses NBA

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

May 6, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Red Bull driver Max Verstappen (1) of the Netherlands walks through the garage area following qualifying for the Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome.

Max Verstappen Is Unstoppable. Is That Hurting F1 With New American Fans?

Formula One could be facing an inevitable plateau in the United States.
Apr 17, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona Coyotes left wing Lawson Crouse (67) celebrates after scoring a goal during the third period against the Edmonton Oilers at Mullett Arena.
May 4, 2024

Everything to Know About the Coyotes’ Second Chance at NHL Life

The clock is ticking in order to restart a Phoenix expansion team.
April 28, 2024

Just Like We Drew It Up? Stadium Renderings Can Excite, Confound, and Anger

During a historic wave of development, drawings wield more power than ever.
The scene in the green room behind the NFL Draft Theater in Detroit on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. Thirteen college players who will be picked in the first round will be waiting in this large room with friends, family, agents and college coaches on Thursday night.
April 27, 2024

More NFL Draft Prospects Are Staying Home, and TV Networks Are Adjusting

Whether making or missing out on millions, more prospects are staying home.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Live Nation
Multiple - USA Careers
Adidas
Multiple - USA Careers
FanDuel
Multiple - USA Careers

Another Court Sides With Zion Williamson’s Years-Old Firing of Unregistered Agent

There isn’t a rigorous or nationwide standard to rep a college athlete.
April 30, 2024

House v. NCAA: Settlement Doesn’t Address Biggest Issue in College Sports

The House v. NCAA case puts the NCAA and power conferences on the hook for billions in damages.
Sponsored

Rapid Returns: How Technology Is Getting You Back to Your Seat

How Oracle’s POS technology is helping fans get back to their seats faster.
Dec 3, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; FOX Sports personality Reggie Bush before the Big Ten Championship between the Michigan Wolverines and the Purdue Boilermakers at Lucas Oil Stadium.
April 25, 2024

Reggie Bush Got His Heisman Back. Here’s Why He’s Still Suing the NCAA

The former USC star will go forward with a 2023 defamation lawsuit against the NCAA.
April 25, 2024

With New Lawsuit, Florida AG Backs FSU in Fight to Exit the ACC

Lawsuit alleges the ACC was ‘wrongfully withholding’ media contracts from the public.
April 24, 2024

Reggie Bush’s Heisman Return: A Symbolic Win, but NCAA Battle Looms

The NCAA has stayed quiet on the matter, and it’s unclear what this move means.
April 24, 2024

The Ivy League Is Siding With Dartmouth Against College Athlete Unionization

The entire appeal is yet another desperate attempt to preserve amateurism.