Photo Courtesy of the Big 12 Conference Website.
It’s official.
The Big 12 Board of Regents voted unanimously on Friday evening to admit Arizona State, Arizona and Utah to the Big 12 Conference.
Here is the official statement from Commissioner Brett Yormark.
“We are thrilled to welcome Arizona, Arizona State, and Utah to the Big 12. The conference is gaining three premier institutions both academically, and athletically, and the entire Big 12 looks forward to working alongside their student-athletes and administrators.”
Iowa State also released statements welcoming the new programs to the conference.
Iowa State University President, Wendy Wintersteen, said the following:
“A new era has dawned for the Big 12! Adding Arizona, Arizona State, and Utah along with Colorado further strengthens the Big 12 as a powerhouse conference. We welcome these universities and their fans. We applaud their academic excellence and look forward to our new partnership.”
Iowa State Athletic Director, Jamie Pollard, said the following:
“We are excited to welcome the University of Arizona, Arizona State University and University of Utah into the Big 12 Conference family. All three institutions, plus the University of Colorado, add tremendous value to our league. During the past 18 years I have had the good fortune to be part of several significant moments in the history of the Big 12. However, none compare to the importance of the past several weeks culminating with tonight’s announcement. The future of the Big 12 Conference has never been brighter. This is a monumental day in the history of the Big 12 Conference. It is also important to acknowledge tonight’s news would not have been made possible without the vision cast by Commissioner (Brett) Yormark, as well as the foundation established by former Commissioner Bob Bowlsby in bringing BYU, UCF, Cincinnati and Houston on board as members for this season.”
This will take effect beginning the 2024-25 academic year.
