The University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma are expected to stay in the Big 12 until 2025.
The universities had made it clear from the start that they wanted to join the SEC as soon as possible. However, multiple outlets have reported that negotiations between the schools, the conference, and TV networks have stalled.
While there is still time to continue negotiating a deal, ESPN reports an agreement would be unlikely.
One of the holdups is creating equal broadcasting value for Fox should the schools leave by 2024.
This week’s Big 12 meetings in Dallas were considered the “unofficial deadline,” and no agreement was reached.
Other items on the agenda for the Big 12 meetings included the possibility of Gonzaga joining the conference as a “basketball only” member and other expansion options.
Gonzaga is one of several options the Big 12 is considering should it choose to expand and fits as a budding national brand in college basketball. The Zags have become one of the premier programs in college hoops since coach Mark Few took the reins in 1999, making two final fours and winning 19 conference championships.
Gonzaga currently plays in the West Coast Conference (WCC), a mid-major basketball conference that is only guaranteed one bid to the NCAA Tournament. Usually, teams in those types of leagues have to win their conference tournaments to make the field in March, but Gonzaga has become so good it has made the field in 23 consecutive tournaments.
The Big 12 is the most challenging basketball conference this year, with all ten teams in the top 65 in NET. Gonzaga would add to that as the current No. 12 team in NET, but, more importantly, it would give the Zags better odds of making the NCAA Tournament should it experience a “down year.”
None of the power basketball conferences currently have “one-sport” members, and Gonzaga has a broadcasting contract with ESPN and CBS that runs through 2026-27. Both could be barriers to entry.
The PAC-12 is also attempting to navigate its future.
USC and UCLA will both join the Big Ten in 2024, while Washington, Oregon, Arizona, Arizona State, Cal, Colorado, Utah, and Stanford have all been reported to be considering other options. Both conferences could also be fighting for teams like SMU and San Diego State.
There is also the possibility that Gonzaga, which is located in Spokane, Washington, will join the PAC-12 instead.
The Big 12 is adding Cincinnati, Houston, UCF, and BYU as new members this year to combat the eventual departures of Texas and Oklahoma and needs to decide if it will add any more.
CBS Sports reports that the future and possible expansions of the Big 12 and the PAC-12 may hinge on television and broadcasting deals.