Oklahoma and Texas have anxiously awaited the move to the SEC since 2021. As of today, it is officially scheduled to happen in summer of 2024.
Brett Yormark, Big 12 Commissioner, says:
“As I have consistently stated, the Conference would only agree to an early withdrawal if it was in our best interest for Oklahoma and Texas to depart prior to June 30, 2025. By reaching this agreement, we are now able to accelerate our new beginning as a 12-team league and move forward in earnest with our initiatives and future planning. I appreciate the approaches of OU President Joe Harroz and UT President Jay Hartzell to ensure an amicable conclusion to this process and look forward to the bright days ahead for the Big 12 Conference.”
Originally, the move was going to happen after the Sooners and Longhorns’ rights agreement expires in 2025. However, there has been some massive push for the schools to part ways before then. This early departure would have to consider not only the conference, but the television partners as well.
Big 12 Announces Agreement for Withdrawal of Oklahoma and Texas
📰 https://t.co/z0VJE51Os6 pic.twitter.com/k86Bm0Iljs
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) February 10, 2023
All parties seem to be excited for the SEC’s reconstruction.
𝗢𝗞𝗟𝗔𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗔 𝘅 𝗦𝗘𝗖
𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗘𝗥 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰#BoomerSooner pic.twitter.com/vTCLL0VJjC— Oklahoma Sooners (@OU_Athletics) February 10, 2023
The Texas Tech University President and Big 12 Conference Board of Directors Chairman, Lawrence Schovanec, says that a “satisfactory resolution” that is “fair to all parties” has been a top priority:
“This agreement would not have occurred without the collaboration of the presidents and chancellors of all 10 Big 12 universities, and our tremendous partners at ESPN and FOX. I am very grateful for everyone’s efforts to make today’s announcement possible.”
“These terms further guarantee the sustainability, stability, competitiveness and excellence of us all. The exciting matchups and passionate rivalries of the past quarter century will always be a celebrated part of our shared history. We look forward to showcasing that intensity this season, next season and beyond.”
The SEC made a statement today, expressing their excitement for the addition of Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC via Twitter.
Statement from @SEC Commissioner @GregSankey on Oklahoma and Texas membership transition: pic.twitter.com/qZZI6YaRJp
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) February 10, 2023
The Oklahoma and Texas governing boards still must approve the move, but it doesn’t appear that this will be an issue. The early withdrawals costed $100 million, but Oklahoma and Texas plan to “partially offset with future revenues.”
The Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners last played each other in the Cotton Bowl on October 8, 2022. Oklahoma stomped Texas with a score of 49-0.
Read more about Oklahoma and Texas.
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