Home / Sports / Big 12 Shakes Up: Commissioner Yormark Steps Down
Big 12 Shakes Up: Commissioner Yormark Steps Down
31 Oct
Summary
- Brett Yormark will step down as Big 12 commissioner on January 31, 2027.
- He successfully added eight new members to the conference.
- Yormark secured media rights deals through 2031 with ESPN and Fox.
Brett Yormark will conclude his tenure as the Big 12 Conference commissioner on January 31, 2027. His departure marks the end of a transformative period for the league, which saw substantial growth and change under his leadership.
Yormark, who succeeded Bob Bowlsby on August 1, 2022, successfully transitioned the Big 12 into a new era of college football. He orchestrated the addition of eight new members: BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF joined in 2023, followed by Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah in 2024.
Furthermore, Yormark finalized key media rights negotiations, extending agreements with ESPN and Fox through 2031. A sublicensing deal with TNT Sports was also secured, bringing Big 12 football and basketball games to the network. He also actively participated in national discussions regarding college sports reform and playoff expansion.
University of Kansas Chancellor Douglas A. Girod acknowledged Yormark's vision and business acumen in positioning the conference for future success. Yormark expressed confidence in the conference's strengthened foundation, stating it is "16 Strong" and in an optimal position for its next leader.
