Report: Arizona is 'In Deep Discussions' with Big 12

Could the Wildcats be the next to join the Big 12 Conference?

It seems like it's just a matter of time before the Big 12 Conference expands once again and for a second time, they dip into the PAC 12 pool.

Thursday night, Pete Thamel of ESPN reported, "Arizona is in deep discussions with the Big 12 about joining the league. Some finality is expected in the near future, as there’s an Arizona Board of Regents meeting scheduled for later tonight."

Sources: Arizona is in deep discussions with the Big 12 about joining the league. Some finality is expected in the near future, as there’s an Arizona Board of Regents meeting scheduled for later tonight.

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) August 4, 2023

In a similar report by Pat Forde of Sports Illustrated, he notes that there is still some work to be done between the two sides. 

"Big 12-Arizona marriage 'not there yet' but parties are 'hopeful' that it can be consummated. Board of Regents, which went into executive session earlier this evening, will play a role.

The belief is that the so-called that the remaining of the four corner schools will make their decision almost in unison. Arizona State and Utah have also had discussions about making a switch from the PAC 12 and Big 12. If Brett Yormark is able to land each of the three institutions, it would bring the Big 12 to sixteen members.

UPDATE: Ross Dellenger of Yahoo! reports that the Big 12 has officially approved Arizona’s application to join the conference. Now we await Arizona’s Board of Regents decision to approve the move.

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