Brett Yormark shares his thoughts on future conference expansion at Big 12 Media Days
Brett Yormark likes to say he has been talking about the possibility of Big 12 expansion “for a year now,” dating back to the day he was hired to replace Bob Bowlsby as commissioner of the conference.
It has, indeed, been a hot topic during the past 12 months. And it remains one today as the Big 12 enters a new era that will feature 14 teams in 2023, 12 teams in 2024 and then ... who knows?
The Big 12 has made no secret about its interest in adding new members from the Pac-12 (Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, Utah), the Big East (Connecticut) and maybe even the Mountain West (San Diego State).
Yormark recently added gasoline the fire of expansion rumors by saying he would prefer to continue on with 14 members even after Oklahoma and Texas depart for the SEC next year.
But he backed off those comments while speaking at Big 12 Media Days on Wednesday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
“I did say 14, you’re absolutely right. I do think there’s strength in numbers. But I also said we’re not chasing the number,” Yormark said. “If and when the opportunity presents itself to stay at 14 we’ll pursue it. But I did say that and I backpedaled a little bit, because I realized it’s not about chasing a number. It’s all about creating value for membership. And we’ll see where that takes us.”
Much could be decided about the future of conference realignment when the Pac-12 signs a new media rights deal.
It sounds like the Big 12 is willing to be patient as that process shakes out, along with other factors across the college sports landscape. This season it welcomes BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF to the conference.
“We have a plan for expansion,” Yormark said. “I’m not going to really address it today. You can ask me, but I’m not really going to address it. We do have a plan and hopefully we can execute that plan sooner than later. But as I’ve always said, I love the composition of this conference right now. The excitement the four new members have brought to this conference has been incredible.”
“If we stay at 12 we’re perfectly fine with that. If the opportunity presents itself, where there’s something that creates value, and aligns well with our goals and objectives, starting with the board, then we’re certainly going to pursue it.”
Should the Big 12 look to expand in future years, Yormark says he would consider schools that currently reside in a power conference as well as those that are looking to make the move up.
It seems like everything, from adding multiple new members to standing pat, is on the table.
“There’s lots of different routes you can take with expansion,” Yormark said. “We have a plan, but as it relates to any school that’s a non-Power Five, if they create value and they align well with our goals and objectives, it’s a conversation we’ll consider having.”
This story was originally published July 12, 2023 at 1:45 PM with the headline "Brett Yormark shares his thoughts on future conference expansion at Big 12 Media Days."