Texas, Oklahoma in Final Step to Joining SEC in 2024

Deal brokered between schools and Fox breaks holdout, reshapes conferences just in time for the 12-team playoff

Author:
allHOGS Staff
Publish date:
Feb 9, 2023 9:40 PM EST

In this story:

FRISCO, Texas – Provided the boards at the University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma vote to approval the move and agree to shell out $100 million in foregone distributable revenues, both teams will officially enter the Southeastern Conference on July 1, 2024.

The big holdout on the deal was Fox, which stood to lose quite a bit of money and high value content if the move took place without compensation. It has been reported that a good portion or perhaps all of the $100 million will go to Fox.

To sweeten the deal, Texas reportedly agreed to switch its non-conference showdown with Michigan that would have taken place in Austin, presumably giving ESPN the broadcasting rights, to a road game in Ann Arbor. Because it takes place on a Big Ten campus, Fox gets rights to broadcast the game.

If that becomes official, it is assumed that Michigan will travel to Austin in 2027 when Texas was supposed to have been the visiting team.

The move allows both Oklahoma and Texas to post an SEC level resume heading into the first year of the NCAA's 12-team playoff.

Here is what representatives from both conferences and the universities had to say on the matter.

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey

"The Southeastern Conference learned today of the decision by the Big 12 Conference to alter the membership exit date for the University of Oklahoma and the University of Texas. We are continuing our preparation for this membership transition, and we look forward to welcoming the Conference's new members and moving into our future as a 16-team league.

The Presidents and Chancellors of the SEC previously voted with unanimous approval to accept the application of Oklahoma and Texas to join the Conference on July 1, 2025 and have now authorized the Conference Office to proceed with facilitating the transition of Oklahoma and Texas to become full members of the Southeastern Conference on July 1, 2024."

Big 12 Commissioner Greg Yormark

“As I have consistently stated, the Conference would only agree to an early withdrawal if it was in our best interest for Oklahoma and Texas to depart prior to June 30, 2025. By reaching this agreement, we are now able to accelerate our new beginning as a 12-team league and move forward in earnest with our initiatives and future planning. I appreciate the approaches of OU President Joe Harroz and UT President Jay Hartzell to ensure an amicable conclusion to this process, and look forward to the bright days ahead for the Big 12 Conference.”“

Big 12 Board of Directors Chairman Lawrence Schovanec

Finding a satisfactory resolution to this matter that is fair to all parties, and best positions the Big 12 moving forward has been a top priority. This agreement would not have occurred without the collaboration of the presidents and chancellors of all 10 Big 12 universities, and our tremendous partners at ESPN and FOX. I am very grateful for everyone’s efforts to make today’s announcement possible.”

University of Texas President Jay Hartzell

“We have always been committed to fulfilling our contractual obligations to the Big 12. The collegiate athletics landscape has continued to evolve rapidly, and working together to accelerate our exit produced benefits for all parties. The Big 12 has been a respected partner for nearly three decades, and we look forward to a final season of spirited competition with our friends and rivals. I appreciate Commissioner Yormark’s and Chairman Schovanec’s thoughtful approach and the collaborative work toward a solution that prioritizes the best interests of all institutions.”

Oklahoma President Joseph Harroz, Jr.

“We are grateful to Commissioner Yormark and Chairman Schovanec for their concerted efforts to carve a path forward that allows us all to move ahead with clarity and certainty. With the new era of collegiate athletics fully upon us, an opportunity emerged for all parties involved to explore the value of an early departure. These terms further guarantee the sustainability, stability, competitiveness and excellence of us all. The exciting matchups and passionate rivalries of the past quarter century will always be a celebrated part of our shared history. We look forward to showcasing that intensity this season, next season and beyond.”