Marquette exploring options, Catholic League or Big East-Big 12 merger?

• Marquette University

Marquette University

Talk about it

MILWAUKEE - The athletic directors of Marquette and seven other Catholic universities are in discussion concerning the future of the Big East. That’s after Syracuse and Pitt said they would leave the Big East Conference for the ACC and two other public institutions, Connecticut and Rutgers and reportedly looking to get out as well. The New York Daily News said officials from the Golden Eagles would discuss their options with Georgetown, Saint John’s, Providence, Villanova, Notre Dame, Seton Hall, and DePaul.

There’s been media speculation that the eight schools would consider their own Catholic conference with their own TV contract. Over the weekend, Marquette president Scott Pilarz says there’s been a “changing dynamic” of collegiate conferences – and Marquette will be committed to league that offers national exposure and strong athletic schedules. However, he said the Eagles were still proud to be in the Big East.

Marquette’s interim athletic director, however, is not confirming an AP report that negotiations are underway on a merger of the Big East and Big 12 conferences. Mike Broeker says Marquette and the remaining Big East schools are quote, “focusing solely on preserving the Big East Conference.” A merger with the Big 12, one Big East official said it would be a “natural assumption” – but any serious talk would have to wait until it’s determined how Big 12 powerhouses Texas and Oklahoma would proceed.

Tags: wisconsin sports, sports, proam, marquette