Tim Brosnan introduces Pope Leo XIV as Big East's 'secret weapon

Tim Brosnan officially took over as Big East commissioner during the conference's media day in New York on October 1, 2026. Brosnan highlighted Pope Leo XIV as the conference's 'secret weapon,' referencing the Pope's significant connections to Villanova and the recent success of the Chicago White Sox, Pope Leo's childhood team. The Big East plans to host a basketball doubleheader featuring Notre Dame and Villanova in Rome, inspired by the Pope's election. Brosnan emphasized the importance of commercial strategies alongside traditional values in revitalizing the conference, which has struggled in NCAA Tournament appearances recently.

• 6:36 PMYahoo Sports — New Big East commissioner Tim Brosnan tabs Pope Leo XIV as conference's 'secret weapon'