Big 12 to Open Discussions with FOX, ESPN on Potential Media Right Changes

The Big 12 has announced it is beginning conversations on new media contracts with Fox and ESPN, making the move to begin those discussions a full year-and-a-half ahead of the expiration of their current contracts.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel was first to report the development, confirmed by the Big 12 office.

“It is an exciting time for college athletics and given the changing landscape we welcome the opportunity to engage with our partners to determine if an early extension is in the best interest of all parties,” said Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark in a statement issued by the conference Wednesday morning.

“The Big 12 has enjoyed a fantastic relationship with its multi-media rights holders, and I look forward to having these conversations.”

The change in schedule comes as the Pac-12 has also begun its negotiations for a new media deal in the aftermath of USC and UCLA announcing they’ll move to the Big Ten in time for the 2024 football season.

The Big 12 adds BYU, Cincinnati, UCF and Houston for 2023, while Oklahoma and Texas leave after the 2024-25 school year.

Speculation is that the jump-started negotiations would be for a short extension on the current media deals.

It’s believed that one reason for the move is to allow the conference a look at potential revenue numbers before the current contract expires in 2025.