Thursday, October 15, 2026

Big 12 May Look West for Expansion

  • Commissioner Brett Yormark vowed to vet “every option possible to further enhance this conference.”
  • If the Big 12 does expand, it aims to add “a program that has national recognition.”
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark expressed interest in expanding the conference westward during a visit to future member Cincinnati.

“The Big 12 is open for business,” Yormark said. “Obviously, going out West is where I would like to go, entering that fourth time zone.”

  • Yormark vowed to vet “every option possible to further enhance this conference.”
  • However, conference expansion is not imminent.
  • If the Big 12 does expand, it aims to add “a program that has national recognition.”

The Big 12 will be losing Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC in 2025 and is preparing to add four new members.

In September 2021, the conference’s continuing members voted unanimously to invite four schools to join the conference: Cincinnati, UCF, Houston, and BYU.

Three of those programs — Houston, UCF, and Cincinnati — are working on a settlement to leave the AAC on July 1, 2023, which would be a year ahead of schedule.

Record Revenue 

In June, the Big 12 announced it will distribute a record $426 million in revenue to its 10 current members for the 2021-22 academic year, marking the first growth in revenue for the conference in two years. The distribution amount is a nearly 20% increase from the year prior.

The bump was attributed to the return of fans to stadiums following pandemic restrictions.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Apr 24, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Mammoth owner Ryan Smith speaks to the media before game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Utah Mammoth and the Vegas Golden Knights at Delta Center.

Ryan Smith Says BYU Will Get Windfall When He Dies

“The roster is deep,” he said. “It’s not just me.”

ESPN Suffers Technical Troubles During Trump Visit

There was pregame chatter about whether presidential visits affect team communications.

Big 12 Withdraws Lawsuit Against Texas Tech As New Season Begins

Brendan Sorsby left the school shortly after the lawsuit was filed.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/15/26 – Blake Griffin on Clippers Fine, Buck-Aikman Booth Tension, Elle Duncan’s ‘Toxic’ WNBA Warning

0:00

Featured Today

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Action Images/Peter Cziborra
October 9, 2026

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
October 7, 2026

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.
Cubs behind the scenes
October 6, 2026

Hollywood and TikTok: Sports Media’s New ‘Blueprint’

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.
Head Coach Curt Cignetti heads in during The Walk before the Indiana versus North Texas football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. Brian and Amy were the hosts, middle two in frame.

Indiana’s Title Windfall Meets Its Biggest Home Game in History

A new jersey patch extends Indiana’s run of sponsorship deals
Oct 10, 2026; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Keelon Russell (12) scrambles with the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first quarter at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images
October 15, 2026

Keelon Russell Carries a Growing NIL Brand and Alabama’s Playoff Hopes

Following a loss to Georgia, Alabama faces Tennessee on Saturday.
October 15, 2026

Matthew Mayich’s Family Rips Coach Exit as ‘Negotiated Agreement’

Arizona State and Greg Powers “reached a mutual agreement to part ways.”
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
Mike Tirico Front Office Sports Tuned In
October 14, 2026

Mike Tirico Worries About Donor Fatigue in College Football

Tirico said donors may question whether their returns are worthwhile.
Oct 10, 2026; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; LSU Tigers tight end Zach Grace (44) celebrates after scoring a touchdown with offensive lineman Aliou Bah (55) and wide receiver Eugene Wilson III (3) during the first quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field.
October 14, 2026

SEC Accuses LSU of ‘Stubborn Refusal’ to Follow Rules

The conference argued the lawsuit against LSU is still relevant.
October 13, 2026

Ohio Gov. Issues Executive Order Challenging NCAA Eligibility Policy

The EO may not have teeth, but it could still impact eligibility.
October 13, 2026

Josh Pate, John Fanta Blast CFP Expansion: ‘Why Stop at 24?’

The deadline for College Football Playoff expansion in 2027 is Dec. 1, 2026.