Brett Yormark 'happy' about accelerated exit of Oklahoma, Texas from Big 12

During Big 12 media days, commissioner Brett Yormark explained that he was happy to be able to find an accelerated exit for Texas and Oklahoma.

Yormark had inherited a conference going through realignment when he took over in 2022. That meant dealing with Texas and Oklahoma for multiple seasons before they leave for the SEC while four new schools entered for the 2023 season. It’s a bit of an awkward situation, in which an accelerated timetable was negotiated between those schools and the Big 12.

“I’ve got a great partnership with the folks at Texas and Oklahoma,” Brett Yormark said. “When there’s mutual respect and when you’re looking for a win-win scenario, those negotiations don’t really take that long.”

As Yormark emphasized, both sides wanted the same thing. Texas and Oklahoma wanted to leave sooner. The Big 12 wanted to move on from them sooner. So, they were able to make a deal.

“We all wanted the same thing, and we got there. I’m happy for them. I’m happy for us. We brought closure to an issue that was highly discussed this time last year, and I’m happy we did.”

One thing that the accelerated exit for Texas and Oklahoma does is make it easier for the Big 12 to find new schools to join, and while Brett Yormark walked back his open for business comments from last year, while readily acknowledging that the Big 12 wants to expand again.

While speaking at Big 12 media days, Yormark even said he’d be disappointed if the conference doesn’t add two teams by 2025.

“I would say if in two years we have not solidified ourselves at 14, I would be a little disappointed,” Yormark said. “Just because I’m so bullish on our conference. I think there is really opportunity and possibility out there for us.”

Brett Yormark wants to celebrate Oklahoma, Texas in their final year

While Brett Yormark made it clear that he does not think Texas and Oklahoma carried the Big 12 in recruiting or winning, he does want to celebrate those programs on the way out.

“They have a great identity. They’re national brands. They’re a big part of the history of this conference. But like I said last year, this conference is bigger than any two schools. We’re in a great place. There’s never been a better time than right now to be involved with this conference. And I’m excited about our future,” Yormark said.

“There’s been no better time to be a part of the Big 12 than right now. This thing is going to grow. It’s going to move forward in a positive way.”