Report: Big 12 'targeting' Brett Yormark as conference's next commissioner

Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby is on his way out, as the conference enters a new era. His plan was to remain in the role until somebody new was found and according to a report, the Big 12 has potentially found their next leader.

Per Ross Dellenger of Sports Illustrated, the Big 12 is “targeting” Brett Yormark as their next commissioner. Yormark currently serves as the COO of Jay-Z’s agency Roc Nation and the hire is something Dellinger describes as “unconventional.”

Prior to Roc Nation, Yormark spent 14 years working with the Brooklyn Nets and Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment Group. He was seen as a crucial piece in the franchise relocating from New Jersey. While the new potential Big 12 commissioner does not have much college experience, he is the latest Power Five leader to come from the outside.

“Yormark is thought of as one of the more connected and bright executives within the entertainment agency industry,” Dellenger said in his report. “He was promoted in January to COO and president of business operations and strategy. Desiree Perez, CEO of Roc Nation, has referred to Yormark as ‘a fearless leader.'”

The biggest challenge for Yormark, and possibly one that defines his tenure as the Big 12’s commissioner, is dealing with the upcoming realignment. Texas and Oklahoma will be on their way out, leaving in favor of the SEC. Four schools — BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF will be entering via the American Athletic Conference.

Television rights will also be up after the 2024-2025 season, with the Big 12 being one of the last Power Five conferences to be getting a new deal. While the football product is going to take a hit, the addition of the other four schools is expected to up the basketball quality.

An exact timeline for Yormark to officially become the commissioner has not been set. Until the news is made official, Bowlsby will continue to run the conference.