Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark gets 3-year contract extension from conference
Brett Yormark was relatively unknown in the world of college sports when the Big 12 hired him as its commissioner in 2022.
Three years later, his name has become synonymous with the conference. So much so that the Big 12’s board of directors has voted to give Yormark a three-year contract extension.
The new deal will run through 2030. His original five-year deal was set to expire in 2027.
“We are pleased to extend Commissioner Brett Yormark’s contract an additional three years past the remaining two years of his existing agreement,” Big 12 Board chair and Baylor president Linda Livingstone said in a statement. “Since Brett took leadership of the Big 12 three years ago, he has been instrumental in guiding the Big 12’s expansion to include new member schools, and unifying the conference’s existing membership. Brett’s strategic thinking and creative initiatives have been vital to the Big 12’s success, and we look forward to building on this momentum in the years ahead.”
Yormark has been a stabilizing voice for the Big 12.
He took over for Bowlsby shortly after Oklahoma and Texas announced their plans to leave the Big 12 for the SEC. Their departures left the Big 12 with an unknown future. But Yormark led the conference through the wilderness by negotiating a lucrative TV deal with ESPN and FOX. He also convinced Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah to join the league.
At 16 members, the Big 12 remains a power conference even without powerhouse athletic departments like Oklahoma and Texas.
His “open for business” mantra has been good for the Big 12 as it looks to make new deals and appeal to a younger audience.
Before he came to the Big 12, Yormark worked for Roc Nation. He was also the president and CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment (BSE) Global. While there, he helped manage Barclays Center and the Brooklyn Nets. His resume also includes time with NASCAR.
For the forseeable future, though, he is locked in with the Big 12.
“We have made great progress over the last three years, and our best days are ahead,” Yormark said. “I am thrilled to continue to work alongside our member schools as we grow and strengthen the Big 12 into a conference that is innovative and prepared for what the future may hold.”
This story was originally published May 6, 2025 at 12:18 PM with the headline "Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark gets 3-year contract extension from conference."