NEW: Big 12 Wants to Add Louisville In Realignment BOMBSHELL As North Carolina Goes From ACC to SEC?
NEW: Big 12 Wants to Add Louisville In Realignment BOMBSHELL As North Carolina Goes From ACC to SEC?  
Podcast: Locked On Big 12 | Daily College Football & Basketball Podcast
Published On: Fri Aug 01 2025
Description: The Big 12 is in a prime position to add Louisville as the ACC crumbles, and they should do so with a clear, strategic plan that benefits both the conference and the Cardinals. This isn't just about adding a school; it's about solidifying the Big 12's footprint, enhancing its athletic prestige, and strategically positioning the conference for the future.Here's how the Big 12 should handle adding Louisville:Offer an Immediate and Full Revenue Share: Louisville's primary motivation for leaving the ACC would be financial. The Big 12's per-school revenue is significantly higher. To lure them, the Big 12 should immediately offer a full share of its media rights revenue, sending a clear message that Louisville is a valued partner and not a second-tier addition. This would make the financial decision to pay the ACC exit fee much easier for Louisville's leadership.Emphasize Geographic Alignment: The Big 12 can sell Louisville on creating a much-needed "eastern pod" with West Virginia, Cincinnati, and UCF. The conference should highlight how this regional grouping would significantly reduce travel costs and logistical headaches for all sports, a major pain point for Louisville in the ACC and for WVU in the Big 12. This improved geography would make scheduling more manageable and potentially boost fan engagement for away games within the pod.Showcase the Athletic Benefit: The Big 12 can and should sell Louisville on the competitive upside.Basketball: The Big 12 is arguably the best men's basketball conference in the nation. Adding Louisville, with its rich basketball tradition and strong fanbase, would make the conference even more formidable and provide a huge platform for the Cardinals' program.Football: While Louisville's football has had ups and downs, the program has proven it can compete at a high level. They would be a competitive addition to the Big 12 and a strong rival for West Virginia, reviving a cherished Big East matchup.Make a Package Deal (if possible): The ideal scenario for the Big 12 would be to package Louisville with another ACC school, with Pitt being the most logical choice. A joint offer to both schools would be incredibly enticing. This would not only bring in two strong athletic brands but also permanently reunite the "Backyard Brawl" and further solidify the eastern pod. A package deal demonstrates the Big 12's commitment to building regional coherence, a key selling point for schools tired of coast-to-coast travel.Aggressive and Swift Action: The Big 12, under Brett Yormark, has a track record of being proactive. They should move quickly to secure Louisville (and Pitt, if possible) if a significant brand like North Carolina makes an initial move. Being the first to the table with a concrete and compelling offer is crucial in the high-stakes world of conference realignment.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!5-Hour ENERGYTime to fuel up and turn it up with 5-hour ENERGY®️ Transfusion! Go to https://5hourenergy.com today and use my promo code LOCKEDONGOLF to receive 20% off your order. This offer is only valid until September 30th on one order and cannot be used with other promotions. The code is not good on subscription orders.  DripDropRight now, DripDrop is offering Locked On listeners 20% off your first order. Just head to https://dripdrop.com and use promo code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE. Stock up now before the heat hits hard.GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at www.monarchmoney.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year.FanDuelRight now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.