Imminent Departure? Longhorns, Sooners release joint statement to Big 12

[HornSports Staff]

Photo: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports​

The University of Texas and University of Oklahoma have taken the first step towards leaving the Big 12 Conference, with the schools sending out a joint statement on Monday morning.

"The University of Texas at Austin and The University of Oklahoma notified the Big 12 Athletic Conference today that they will not be renewing their grants of media rights following expiration in 2025. Providing notice to the Big 12 at this point is important in advance of the expiration of the conference’s current media rights agreement. The universities intend to honor their existing grant of rights agreements. However, both universities will continue to monitor the rapidly evolving collegiate athletics landscape as they consider how best to position their athletics programs for the future." 

Both schools are expected to join the Southeastern Conference, but it is unclear when the move will happen.  The Big 12 grants of television rights span through 2025, but if the Sooners and Longhorns stick around that long it would be surprising.


The Big 12 held a virtual meeting with member institution presidents and athletic directors last Thursday to discuss all options and potential paths forward.  Neither Texas or Oklahoma participated.

This is a fluid story, and will be updated as more information develops.

 

[Aaron Carrara]

[No message]

 

[Aaron Carrara]

[No message]

 

[dillohorn]

7 hours ago, HornSports Staff said:

View attachment 4501

Photo: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports​

The University of Texas and University of Oklahoma have taken the first step towards leaving the Big 12 Conference, with the schools sending out a joint statement on Monday morning.

"The University of Texas at Austin and The University of Oklahoma notified the Big 12 Athletic Conference today that they will not be renewing their grants of media rights following expiration in 2025. Providing notice to the Big 12 at this point is important in advance of the expiration of the conference’s current media rights agreement. The universities intend to honor their existing grant of rights agreements. However, both universities will continue to monitor the rapidly evolving collegiate athletics landscape as they consider how best to position their athletics programs for the future." 

Both schools are expected to join the Southeastern Conference, but it is unclear when the move will happen.  The Big 12 grants of television rights span through 2025, but if the Sooners and Longhorns stick around that long it would be surprising.

24-25?

 

[longhorn_mig]

24-25?

I think that’s just legal posturing. Say that for now and wait to see if the conference implodes versus continuing to exist and pay exit fees.

 

[Sirhornsalot]

4 hours ago, Aaron Carrara said:

This means they expect an invitation request from Texas/OU before Thursday.

Texas and OU will play an SEC schedule in 2022, IMO. The Big 12 will implode and if they don't, we'll pay the exit fee.

 

[Aaron Carrara]

[No message]

 

[Aaron Carrara]

[No message]

 

[TexExSpur]

This ordeal was final last week, the legalese is awesome.  What an incredibly well orchestrated move by all involved.

 

[Aaron Carrara]

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[Jameson McCausland]

The OU Board of Regents are also meeting Friday.

 

[texasdalton]

Are we really going to have to wait until 2025 or is this for legal purposes.

 

[North Texas Golfer]

Are we really going to have to wait until 2025 or is this for legal purposes.

It's almost a 100% certainty that it will be 2022  

 

[longhorn_mig]

Are we really going to have to wait until 2025 or is this for legal purposes.

Definitely legal purposes. We have to appear and act like we’re honoring the agreement in place should the conference implode. If the zombie remains of the Big 12 carry on, just pay the exit fee and go play in the SEC in 2022. I’m sure the SEC will “demand” earlier entry in exchange for admission, so we’ll be “forced” to pay the exit fee.

 

[Sirhornsalot]

Definitely legal purposes. We have to appear and act like we’re honoring the agreement in place should the conference implode. If the zombie remains of the Big 12 carry on, just pay the exit fee and go play in the SEC in 2022. I’m sure the SEC will “demand” earlier entry in exchange for admission, so we’ll be “forced” to pay the exit fee.

Agree with this.