Big 12 presidents unanimously approved a recommendation today to begin negotiations with TCU as the 10th member of the league.
In an announcement made by league officials, interim commissioner Chuck Neinas has been authorized to “immediately begin discussions with TCU.”
On the advice of legal counsel, Missouri did not participate in today’s vote. Missouri officials voted Tuesday to authorize the school chancellor to begin exploring other conference affiliations, including the Southeastern Conference.
Texas men’s athletic director DeLoss Dodds issued a statement this saying league officials are “proud that TCU has been invited to join the Big 12.”
“Their commitment to academics and success on the field make them an excellent fit,” Dodds said in the statement. “With a solid budget and strong financial support, they have been proactive at improving facilities. Their close proximity to all conference institutions makes for a comfortable travel situation.”
The Big 12 officially has been a nine-member league since last week, when Texas A&M accepted an invitation to join the SEC. TCU, currently a member of the Mountain West, has a long history with existing Big 12 members Texas, Texas Tech and Baylor dating back to those schools’ days as members of the Southwest Conference.
The SWC disbanded after the 1995-96 school year, when four league members _ A&M, Texas, Tech and Baylor _ joined the existing members of the Big Eight to form what is now the Big 12. TCU has been a member of the Western Athletic Conference, Confernce USA and the Mountain West Conference since leaving the SWC.
_ Jimmy Burch
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