One of the two firms hired by the Big 12 Conference to look at potential candidates for expansion, the Chicago based Navigate Research, has completed their analysis and has a list of recommended schools that would make solid additions.

Included in that list is the University of Connecticut, per a source with knowledge of the situation.

This does not guarantee an invite or that the conference is expanding, but the fact the Huskies are on the list, is promising. There are other schools that Navigate has recommended, so if there are only two additions, the conference will have to make a decision on who they believe makes the most sense, using the metrics provided by Navigate, as a guide.

Any chance for UConn being added would require the development of a Big 12 Conference Network, which would involve Texas agreeing to merge their own Longhorn Network for the benefit of the conference, as a whole.

Per the same source, signs are pointing to the process starting to get in motion, as multiple Big 12 members have inquired about ending their current tier 3 television rights with their providers. This is a positive sign, as a conference network would replace those tier 3 rights.

The Big 12 also hired Bevilacqua Helfant Ventures (BHV), out of New York City, as part of the evaluation process. It is unknown at this time whether a final presentation by BHV has been presented to conference leaders with their recommendations.

Stay tuned for more details as this is a fluid situation.