Big 12 enters new era of uncertainty without Oklahoma, Texas -- but the vibes are immaculate, at least

Without Texas and OU in the room, the Big 12 enjoyed one of the most productive and amiable spring get-togethers in the conference's history

By Brandon Marcello May 2, 2024 at 11:28 am ET• 5 min read

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — One year ago in the desert, the Big 12 and Pac-12 commissioners darted from room to room at their annual spring meetings, weaving and bobbing among inquisitive reporters (and each other) at a posh resort as rumors of expansion and the health of their leagues dominated the chatter in their halls.

The venue at the Hyatt Regency at Gainey Ranch this week was the same, but times have changed. The Pac-12 is no more, and the Big 12 is still breathing, the last fighter standing following a vicious battle that hit its high point last summer when the rival commissioners threatened to poach each other's conferences. Fittingly, perhaps, the posh resort was undergoing massive renovations this week as the Big 12 conducted its annual meetings without the Pac-12 sharing the same building. As backhoes moved dirt at a nearby courtyard, and the sounds of banging hammers and whirring saws filled the makeshift hotel lobby, Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark was downright giddy about his conference's future as he exited a three-day marathon of meetings.

"I like the energy, I like the vibe, I love the direction," Yormark said. "Everyone's excited. We're like a mature start-up. We're 28 years in the making, and when you compare us to some of the other conferences that have been around for 90-plus years, we're just getting started."

The Big 12's new era begins July 1 with the additions of Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah on the same day Oklahoma and Texas leave for the SEC. Oklahoma and Texas' impending departures loomed large this week. The loudest voices in the room were absent, and in that void were new voices leading the charge. Several athletic directors and coaches described the meetings as one of the more productive and amiable spring get-togethers in the conference's history.