Jul 13, 2022; Arlington, TX, USA; Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark talks with the media during the Big 12 Media Day at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports — © Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Big 12 Commissioner on Expansion: 'Going out West is Where I Would Like to go'

Brett Yormark dropped into Clifton to visit UC on Wednesday.

Author:
Russ Heltman
Sep 8, 2022 6:45 AM EDT

CINCINNATI — Leaders from the Big 12 descended on Clifton Wednesday to help welcome UC into the conference and meet with local media. Commissioner Brett Yormark had plenty of thoughts ready to fire on expansion and more.

“Well, I don’t want to get into the specifics, and I appreciate the question," Yormark said about expanding the conference. "But obviously going out west is where I would like to go, entering that fourth-time zone. A program that has national recognition. One that competes at the highest level in basketball and football, stands for the right things, is a good cultural fit. Because our alignment right now and the like-mindedness of all of our member institutions is fantastic. It’s never been better. So I don’t want to compromise that, and that’s critically important that there is the right cultural fit when you think about coming in and being part of what we’re building here.”

Despite the clear mindset of adding more teams in the future, Yormark said the Big 12 and Big Ten aren't competing for those additions.

“Absolutely not. (Big Ten) commissioner Kevin Warren is a friend, we talk strategy all the time, no different than the conversations I have with other Power 5 commissioners. I’m open for business as I’ve said, and open for business means I’m on the phone talking to commissioners, brands, schools, but no competition there at all.”

The commissioner is excited to welcome Cincinnati as he starts his new role with the conference.

“Very additive," Yormark said about UC joining the conference. "As far as I’m concerned, they’re one of the best programs in America today. Big brand, big fan following. Great resources. I spent some time with the coach today. He’s excited, so this is a big opportunity for the Big 12. As I was walking around campus today and visualizing some of the existing members coming here, those are going to be big moments in this community. Certainly, I’ll be here to experience them.”

The latest news on a TV deal also came up with Yormark in town.

“Well right now, again, I’m only speaking to ESPN and Fox and I can’t speak to anyone else," the commissioner said about his goals in a new TV deal. "But in theory, I want partners that help us glamorize and market and promote the Big 12 and our member institutions. That’s a big part of that partnership for me moving forward, in addition to all the other things we benefit from. But I want great marketing partners that want to help build our brand and our business, and I don’t think there are any better than ESPN and Fox to do that, so I’m anxious to see where we can take the future with both of them.”

The Big 12 was on shaky footing at times over the past year but is in a much better position ... for now. How Yormark handles inevitable realignment and sets up the next TV deal will go a long way towards cementing that position.

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