New Big 12 Conference commissioner Brett Yormark minced no phrases when describing what he thinks the league will appear like with out flagships Oklahoma and Texas.
In regards to negotiation new tv contract with out the Sooners and Longhorns among the many stock, Yormark exhibits solely optimism.
“I know the media has stated that with the loss of Texas and Oklahoma, our number would go backwards ,” Yormark stated. (*12*)
Yormark stated Tuesday at Big 12 Basketball Media Days in Kansas City that his “gut” feeling was that the league would start negotiations with present companions ESPN and Fox earlier than the February 2024 formal negotiating window opens.
And these negotiations will depict a Big 12 with out OU and Texas — however not earlier than 2025.
“They committed themselves in advance of me getting here,” Yormark stated. “They’ve reiterated that commitment, so they’ll be here through the duration (of the current grant of rights agreement), and my relationship with both Texas and Oklahoma is very, very strong.”
Yormark additionally confirmed what was reported by ESPN and CBS Sports final week that in 2023 and 2024, a soccer and basketball scheduling mannequin has been set — and revealed that subsequent 12 months’s soccer schedule might be introduced in late November or early December.
With BYU, Central Florida, Cincinnati and Houston becoming a member of the Big 12 subsequent 12 months, the league could have 14 members however won’t have divisions, Yormark stated.
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“And over a two-year period, each of the schools will play each other at least once,” he stated. “So, excited for what that schedule will look like when we finally put it out.
“Rivalries will be preserved, absolutely. Looking at geography, obviously, from a student-athlete perspective and travel. So all those principles are part of the decision making, but we’re in a great place.”
Yormark stated he needs to “nationalize the conference. I want future student-athletes to want to come to the conference for all the right reasons. I want us to show up in places we haven’t been before.”
But he additionally stated he needs to “lay out an international strategy over the next six months.”
And basketball, he stated, it a giant a part of that.
“Basketball’s my passion,” he stated.
Yormark’s background with the Brooklyn Nets and his dealings with athletes and celebrities at Roc Nation give him perception into the league’s worth past soccer.
“You hear a lot of about football, but basketball is huge,” he stated. “It’s a global sport. It’s everywhere. I’m excited to be part of this. On the men’s side, we’re arguably the best conference in the country. Same on the women’s side.
“I’m really bullish on this conference.”
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