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Big 12 Media Days: Sorsby Fallout, Playoff Expansion, and Media Rights

The Big 12 conference begins its two-day media event in Frisco, focusing on the Brendan Sorsby situation, potential playoff expansion, and upcoming media rights negotiations.

Demarcus Ferris

July 2, 20262 min read

Sports Media - illustration, Jake Team LLC
Sports Media - illustration, Jake Team LLC

The Big 12 conference is set to host its two-day football media event at The Star, the Dallas Cowboys training facility in Frisco, which is located approximately 12 miles northwest of Plano. The gathering, beginning Tuesday, will feature coaches and players from all 16 member schools discussing upcoming football topics.

A primary focus of the event will be the aftermath of the Brendan Sorsby controversy. Nearly four months have passed since news emerged regarding impermissible college football betting by the Texas Tech quarterback. The situation has involved multiple lawsuits filed against the NCAA and Texas Tech, with school officials and booster Cody Campbell maintaining support for Sorsby. The conflict escalated last month when the Big 12 filed a federal lawsuit, leading Sorsby to withdraw his own lawsuit against the NCAA and effectively ending his chance to play this season. The incident has strained relationships between Texas Tech and other league members, raising questions about whether commissioner Brett Yormark can help reunite the conference.

Another key topic is the proposed expansion of the College Football Playoff from 12 to 24 teams. While the Big 12 and its coaches support the change for its accessibility, progress remains stalled. Concerns include scheduling conflicts that could push the semifinals and national championship into February. The current title game is scheduled for Jan. 25, 2027. Potential solutions like moving the season start to Week Zero or eliminating conference championship games face resistance from other leagues.

The NCAA’s approval of the "5-for-5" age-based eligibility model is also under scrutiny. This rule eliminates redshirt seasons and waivers for super-seniors, aiming to simplify roster management and reduce transfers. However, it also removes medical hardship waivers for injured athletes and may lead to more true freshmen seeing immediate action. The impact of this model on college rosters remains a subject of discussion among coaches.

Finally, the conference is looking ahead to media rights negotiations. The Big 12 is currently in a six-year, $2.28 billion deal with ESPN and Fox Sports through the 2030-31 season. Recent additions of BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, UCF, Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah provide the league with more leverage. A private equity deal and new sponsorship agreements are also intended to help close the financial gap with the Big Ten and SEC. Further details on specific outcomes of these negotiations are not yet clear.

Source: sports.yahoo.com.

Sources

https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/sorsby-fallout-more-watch-big-183000977.html

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Demarcus Ferris

Demarcus Ferris writes about community life, schools, public safety, and local events in Plano.

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