What is the Big 12 Conference?
The Big 12 Conference is one of the four power conferences of U.S. college sports — 16 universities competing at the top of football, basketball and the Olympic sports.[1] [2]
Members and sports
After Texas and Oklahoma departed for the SEC in 2024, the conference rebuilt around Kansas, Baylor, Houston, Cincinnati, BYU, UCF and the four Arizona/mountain additions — Arizona, Arizona State, Utah and Colorado. Its swimming & diving championship features Arizona's and Utah's programs among others.[1] [3]
Since when does it exist?
Founded in 1994 (first competition 1996) from the merger of the Big Eight with Texas schools of the Southwest Conference; headquartered in Irving, Texas.[1]
Why does the Big 12 Conference matter?
Power-conference membership, national basketball titles (Kansas, Baylor, Houston's runs) and full media distribution keep the Big 12 among the top athletic organizations in the country.[2]
References
- Big 12 — official site. Accessed August 2026.
- NCAA — About the NCAA. Accessed August 2026.
- NCAA.com — Swimming & Diving, Division I. Accessed August 2026.