How Colorado, Big 12 aggression could force Tony Petitti's hand with B1G expansion

INDIANAPOLIS – Roughly a half hour before word leaked Wednesday of Colorado ramping up discussions for a return to the Big 12, Tony Petitti settled in for his final interview of the day.

Since taking over as commissioner of the Big Ten this past spring, he’s had plenty of catching up to do. The one-time MLB executive had to integrate himself to the world of NIL and conference realignment. TV contracts are not new to him; he worked on deals as an executive at CBS, NBC and ABC.

Petitti sits in one of the most advantageous positions in college sports. Sure, there are headaches that need alleviated. He made the trip to Washington, D.C., in the last 10 days to meet with lawmakers about a Congressional NIL mandate.

But with USC and UCLA making the jump to the Big Ten in roughly a year and TV negotiations really ramping up in just six short years, the conference has established itself as the strongest next to the SEC. Wednesday’s news could add a twist. With Deion Sanders and Co. now expected to make the jump to the Big 12, speculation will only run wild in the coming days of what comes next.

Brett Yormark has positioned the Big 12 to become a player in expansion since he announced a year ago the conference was “open for business.” He appears to have poached the Buffaloes, and he recently told On3’s Eric Prisbell he would be “a little disappointed” if the Big 12 didn’t add two teams by 2025.

He’s nearly halfway there.

Oregon and Washington are now the most valuable institutions remaining on the realignment market. Neither the Ducks or Huskies seem tied to the Pac-12, especially with a year to go until the television contract expires. Oh, and San Diego State could still slide over to the Pac-12 to replace Colorado.

This period of time could be a prime opportunity for Tony Petitti to cement the Big Ten as the giant in college football.

“What I’ll say is all the direction I’m getting from leadership, our presidents and chancellors, athletic directors, is to focus on UCLA and USC,” the commissioner said Wednesday on the podium. “I’m proud of the scheduling format we created in football. I think it touches on all the right things.”

The Big 12 has long flirted with Colorado, hoping to lure the Buffs back. As Yahoo! Sports‘ Ross Dellenger reported during Pac-12 Media Days, athletic director Rick George dodged questions while walking out of the building and catching a flight.

Yormark could have his sights set somewhere other than Oregon or Washington. Arizona has been rumored to be in the mix, especially when considering what the Wildcats would mean for the Big 12’s basketball talent. Defending hoops champ UConn could also be an option.

Even if Big Ten presidents and chancellors don’t want to add on to the conference’s footprint, Petitti might not have the option. Some thought George Kliavkoff would deliver a television contract worthy to keep the Pac-12 intact. With that seemingly not at play anymore, Petitti’s only shot to land Washington and Oregon could come now.

Both institutions match what the Big Ten is looking for. The big brand names help, but each align with the educational rigor the conference typically aims for. Add in the fact that Petitti and his team have already spent so much time focused on pulling off scheduling correctly with the West Coast additions of USC and UCLA, and it could be a no brainer.

The commissioner confirmed to On3 on Wednesday the conference has explored the possibility of multiple-team events at the same location. Adding the northwest schools of the Pac-12 could create the perfect fit and possibly add to the preexisting TV deal.

“The priorities really are USC and UCLA, the integration coming up, and implementing the new football schedule,” Petitti told On3 when asked about rolling out new initiatives or possible expansion. “Working well with our new broadcast partners. it’s a huge opportunity. And I promise you, we’re gonna get it right.”

The Big Ten commissioner was handed a brand ready to thrive. It still will — especially with two more power players in college football joining in roughly a year.

Ensuring the conference’s image is untouched could be accomplished with one swift movement from Tony Petitti. The college football realignment market could just be opening up for business, and the Big Ten does not want to be on the outside, looking in.