Paul Finebaum sets expectations for Big 12 Media Day, forecasts future of conference

The Big 12 Conference announced its new commissioner at the end of June. Now, just two short weeks later, he’s hitting the big stage at media days. The two-day event begins on Wednesday in Arlington, Texas.

SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum joined McElroy&Cubelic on Monday morning to discuss what he expects from new commissioner Brett Yormark, especially when it comes to expansion and realignment.

“I expect to learn more than I did a year ago when Bob Bowlsby was asked about expansion and said, ‘We’re not concerned about that or anything else, because we are solid here,'” Finebaum said. “And what was it? A week and a half later, Oklahoma and Texas flew the coop.”

“So, I think the Big 12 is not in a bad spot because they’re not shooting for the big guns on the board,” Finebaum continued. “They’re trying to see which way the dominoes are falling and have a chance to pick up some really attractive schools, depending on which way it goes. I think he’ll nuance his words. All these commissioners are essentially the same when it comes to public declarations. It’s like listening to a senate committee where lawyers are everywhere. I will say, I think the Big 12 is in a better place than it was a year ago.”

Brett Yormark spent the last three years as the COO of Roc Nation, an entertainment company founded by Jay-Z. Before that, he spent 14 years with the Nets, playing a significant role in moving the team from New Jersey. He enters the NCAA scene and the Big 12 as the whole landscape shifts.

With the departure of Oklahoma and Texas looming, the conference has already accepted BYU, Cincinnati,  Houston and UCF as replacements.

SEC wants to stay at 16 teams amid expansion rumors

The SEC isn’t looking to add any more teams to their conference, according to multiple SEC sources via Saturday Down South.

With USC and UCLA joining the Big Ten and a myriad of other programs looking for future direction, many have theorized the SEC could open up their doors like they’re doing for the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners. However, that doesn’t seem to be the preference of SEC presidents.

“We’re positioned at 16 (teams) for a robust future,” an SEC athletic director told SDS. “The need just isn’t there.”

While SDS added that two SEC sources stated that “need” could change their plans, the conferences believes they’re positioned well for future success with their current crop of future programs.

“I don’t see any (expansion) move as threatening to us,” an SEC source told SDS.

While things could always change — like a potential mass exodus of the Atlantic Coast Conference — the SEC seems to think there isn’t another move needed.

On3’s Stephen Samra contributed to this report.