Big 12 Commissioner Yormark: Conference Open for Business as Speculation Heats Up Over Expansion

In an exit interview, Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark emphasized that the conference is open for business. He expressed that this sentiment is more prevalent now than ever before. While Yormark denied active pursuits for expansion at this time, he acknowledged that conversations about expansion tend to heat up during the summer months following the conclusion of the academic year and athletic seasons.

The Pac-12 currently faces uncertainty with two members, Oregon State and Washington State, leading them to form an alliance with the Mountain West Conference as a temporary solution. The Big 12 may not be eyeing these two schools, but speculation suggests that they could be more interested in schools from the ACC like Clemson or Florida State. The ACC is perceived as the weakest of the Power Four conferences due to their television deal disadvantage until 2036. Though the Big 12 is not actively seeking new members now, the situation may evolve as the summer progresses.