Big 12 Brand Refresh, International Plan & Expansion Plan All Ready Per Brett Yormark
The Big 12 Spring Business Meetings recently concluded with a press conference featuring Brett Yormark, the Big 12 Conference Commissioner, and Lawrence Schovanec, the Chairman of the Big 12 Board of Directors and President of Texas Tech University. The meeting focused on various topics such as value creation, expansion, branding, and enhancing services provided by the Big 12 office.
Lawrence Schovanec expressed enthusiasm about the state of the conference and its future prospects. He praised Brett Yormark's leadership and initiatives, highlighting the decision to hire him as a high-risk, high-reward move that has paid off. Schovanec mentioned the alignment and support from the board and athletic directors in shaping the conference's future.
Brett Yormark thanked Schovanec for his role as chairman and praised him for his guidance and friendship. He stated that the meetings had resulted in great alignment, solidarity, and momentum for the conference moving forward. Yormark announced that an estimated record $440 million would be distributed to the conference's membership, with a focus on growing this amount in the future.
Yormark discussed several presentations made during the meetings. He mentioned the upcoming announcement of a data rights deal, the conference's international strategy focused on Mexico, and plans to extend existing championship sites with current venue partners. Yormark expressed a desire for the conference to be a national presence and stated that expansion was a focus, although he didn't provide specific details at the time.
The press conference also touched on other topics. Yormark mentioned a brand refresh for the conference without changing the logo or name. He emphasized the importance of revenue growth and diversification, mentioning the decision to bring commercial strategy efforts in-house. The issue of illegal gambling on sporting events and the NCAA's gambling rule were discussed, with Yormark stating the conference's commitment to addressing the issue and working with US Integrity for student-athlete education.
Yormark also mentioned plans to enhance television broadcasts and provide greater access and insight to fans, demonstrating a commitment to innovation and access for the conference. The press conference concluded with questions from media members on topics such as expansion, revenue distribution, and enhancing the fan experience in various championships.
Overall, the Big 12 Spring Business Meetings were characterized by a sense of enthusiasm, alignment, and a focus on growth and future prospects for the conference.