New Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark reveals feelings on College Football Playoff expansion

Count Brett Yormark as one vote towards the expansion of the College Football Playoff.

Evidently, the new Big 12 Commissioner shares the same sentiment as many fans and experts alike. Speaking with an ESPN panel at Big 12 Media Day, Yormark revealed he would like to see the expansion of the College Football Playoff.

“I would like to see an expanded Playoff,” responded Yormark, when asked for his thoughts on the matter. “What the structure of that and what that looks like is certainly something that we all need to discuss. I’m looking forward to having meaningful conversations with my other Power Five commissioners.

“Obviously, I’m seeing [College Football Playoff Executive Director] Bill Hancock in a couple of weeks to learn a little bit more about CFP, and all the moving parts. But generally speaking, I’d like to see expansion.”

While Yormark may want to see an expansion of the College Football Playoff sooner rather than later, he couldn’t provide a timeline of when we could expect to see things change.

“I don’t know that answer, and Bob [Bowlsby] and I are having some meaningful conversations,” added Yormark. “Obviously, he’s been at the forefront of many of those conversations, and the modeling.

“He and I are going to spend a lot of time over the next couple of weeks so I’m up to speed on it.”

As you can see, Brett Yormark is already making headlines during one of his first major media appearances since it was announced he’d be taking over the Big 12. Now, it’ll be up to him to help try to push the envelope towards expansion of the College Football Playoff.

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Moreover, the Big 12 made it official last month — Brett Yormark is the league’s new commissioner, according to a release published by the conference.

Yormark will replace Bob Bowlsby, who announced his intention to retire earlier this year. He spent the last three years as the COO of Roc Nation, an entertainment company founded by Jay-Z. Before that, Yormark spent 14 years with the Brooklyn Nets and played a significant role in moving the team from New Jersey.

“Thank you to the Big 12 Board, the ADs, the student-athletes, the whole Conference for giving me a chance to support what they all do,” said Yormark in a statement. “I’m here to listen, learn, find ways to add value, add resources and try to help shine a light on the importance of college athletics. I look forward to leveraging my experience and network alongside our presidents, chancellors and athletic directors to shape the future of the Big 12 brand and emphasize our collective strengths.”

The Big 12 is the latest Power 5 conference to hire a commissioner from outside college sports. Last year, the Pac-12 moved to hire George Kliavkoff after he served as the president of MGM Resorts International.

Bowlsby became Big 12 commissioner in 2012 and spent 10 years in the role. When he announced his retirement, he said he’d stay in his role until the league found his replacement. Now that Yormark is officially coming in, Bowlsby’s tenure is entering the home stretch.