It’s officially official. Arizona State, Arizona and Utah are headed to the Big 12 next year, where they will also join Colorado.
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ASU put out a press detailing the move with quotes from University President Michael Crow and Vice President of University Athletics/Athletics Director Ray Anderson.
OFFICIAL – Arizona State will join the Big 12 Conference.#ForksUp /// #O2V
— Arizona State Sun Devils (@TheSunDevils) August 5, 2023
I’ve stayed in close contact with the presidents of Arizona and Utah. Sticking together was crucial to forge a strong AZ-UT-TX sector that will extend rivalries, create new ones, and offer regional travel for student-athletes. Read more: https://t.co/AH06OaCbST
— Michael Crow (@michaelcrow) August 5, 2023
Here is what they had to say:
Crow: “We are excited for this new chapter, a move that is necessary to remain competitive in top-tier Division 1 athletics. We are joining a premier athletic conference and bringing with us programs on the rise, our rich traditions and history, and the metro Phoenix media market. We’re in a good spot, and we are pleased to be with UArizona and Utah in the move.”
Anderson: “The financial package is strong. The stability of the Big 12 is strong. We are ready, and the timing is right. The exposure and visibility as well as the resources from the conference will help us compete for championships. From enhancing our ability to recruit Texas for football to the Big 12’s strength in basketball, good days are ahead.”
Anderson: “One of our biggest considerations in this whole process was the welfare of our student-athletes, and the Big 12 Conference is among the best for its programs and services. The conference also offers high quality Olympic sports and an opportunity to compete with some of the finest student-athletes in some of the finest athletic facilities in the country.”
Crow: “We will always have fond memories of the Pac-12 conference and this move will not change our appreciation of more than 40 years of experiences, rivalries, partnerships, and traditions. But now, it is the right time for change.”
BREAKING: Big 12 votes ASU, Utah unanimously into conference
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Brendan Mau is a college sports insider and general assignment reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on Twitter via @Brendan_Mau
