Report: Big 12 eyeing BYU, UCF, Cincinnati, Houston for expansion

The Big 12 is looking to add four teams, with BYU, UCF, Cincinnati, and Houston being considered the leading choices for expansion, sources told The Athletic's Max Olson, Sam Khan Jr., and Andy Staples.

Commissioner Bob Bowlsby visited Houston's campus Thursday to discuss the Cougars possibly joining the Big 12, The Athletic adds.

The conference reportedly seriously discussed adding BYU last week due to the program's significant TV viewership numbers.

The expansion could move faster than previously expected if athletic directors and presidents from the conference can agree on which schools to invite. UCF, Cincinnati, and Houston would be required to give the AAC 27 months' notice and pay a $10-million penalty to depart and join the Big 12, according to The Athletic.

Bowlsby spoke of the Big 12's commitment to development after meeting with the eight remaining athletic directors earlier in the week.

"The eight ADs remain committed to furthering the Big 12 as one of the nation’s premier athletic conferences and look forward to working with our presidents and chancellors to strengthen the league," Bowlsby said Wednesday. "Future exploration by the group will continue to center on options that best position the long-term strength of the Conference."

The Big 12 was dealt a big blow when Oklahoma and Texas announced their intention to leave for the SEC after their grants of media rights expire in 2025. The conference was also left out of an alliance formed by the Big Ten, ACC, and Pac-12.