Cincinnati Athletics: Quotes on the Bearcats upcoming move to the Big 12

The Big 12 announced on Friday afternoon that Cincinnati, Houston and UCF will officially join the conference on July 1, 2023 after spending next season in the American Athletic Conference. According to multiple reports, each program will pay an $18 million buyout over the next 14 years to depart and move to the 10-team league next summer.

Cincinnati Athletics: Quotes on the Bearcats upcoming move to the Big 12

“All three institutions enjoyed tremendous success under the American Athletic Conference banner, and all three were instrumental in taking the conference to great heights,” AAC commissioner Mike Aresco explained per the Enquirer. “We wish them the best and look forward to having them compete in our conference in 2022-23.”

Cincinnati athletics director John Cunningham also discussed the landmark decision: “It’s imperative that our whole athletic department and our entire fanbase embrace this challenge together. Our goal is to compete for championships on the first day we enter the Big 12. It’s time to ensure we position ourselves at the head of the table.”

“It has been a privilege for our universities to compete at the highest level in the American Athletic Conference where our programs have grown and flourished,” Cincinnati president Neville Pinto said in a joint statement. “To be part of the AAC’s climb to national prominence in recent years is something we’ll always look back on with great pride.”

Prior to the recent announcement, West Virginia head coach Bob Huggins talked about how the Bearcats will fit in the Big 12: “They better get ready because it is hard. The travel is hard. It’s an incredibly well coached league. When you stop and think about how many players we put in the NBA. The only thing I’ll say is get ready because it’s coming.”