Cincinnati, Houston, UCF reach exit deal with American, to join Big 12 in 2023

After reaching an exit agreement with the American Athletic Conference, the Big 12 will welcome Cincinnati, Houston and UCF on July 1, 2023.

The Big 12 added five new members after Oklahoma and Texas announced plans to join the SEC. The goal was to have the three American schools in the Big 12 by the 24th season. The conference will have a new member next year, as well.

There is a chance that Oklahoma and Texas will leave for the SEC in a different time frame. The Big 12 would have 14 teams for two seasons if they stayed in the conference.

The American will cost Cincinnati, Houston and UCF $18 million to leave. The schools had been paying a $10 million exit fee in four annual payments, and they agreed to pay an additional $8 million in 12 payments.

I would like to thank the presidents of UCF, Cincinnati, and Houston, as well as the chair of our Board of Directors, Michael Fitts, for their efforts and leadership, which resulted in a sensible resolution to the three schools' departure. The three institutions were instrumental in taking the American Athletic Conference to great heights, both athletically and academically. They will compete in our conference in 2022-23 and we wish them well.

The College Football Playoff spot was earned by Cincinnati, while the New Year's Six bowl spots went to UCF and Houston.

Conference USA is getting six new teams from The American. Charlotte and UTSA will join the league on July 1, 2023, making them the first two schools to play in the conference.