Big 12 Media Days Highlight Conference Expansion

The Big 12 Conference held its Media Days at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, marking the first event for the newly expanded 16-team league. Commissioner Brett Yormark emphasized the conference's new depth and national reach, noting the addition of four former Pac-12 teams: Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah. These additions were described as enhancing the conference's competitiveness across football, basketball, and Olympic sports. The event highlighted the new dynamics and rivalries, with coaches like Deion Sanders of Colorado and Kyle Whittingham of Utah praising the competitive opportunities. Despite losing traditional powerhouses Texas and Oklahoma, Yormark asserted that the Big 12 is now more relevant and stable than ever, with a strong television deal and solidified national presence. There are, however, long-term concerns about maintaining competitiveness with the SEC and Big Ten.