Report: Talks end between Big 12, Pac-12 as two will not partner

Both the Big 12 and Pac-12 are seeing two of their biggest brands leave in favor of the SEC and Big Ten, respectively. In order to stay near the front of the arms race that has become conference realignment in college football, there was some thought about the two conferences could merge together. However, per a report, the potential partnership is over before it ever really began.

According to Pete Thamel of ESPN, officials from the Big 12 informed the Pac-12 that they are no longer interested in having some kind of partnership together. The potential agreement did not work for a “multitude of reasons” according to one of Thamel’s sources, even after having a few discussions

“There’s been at least three Zoom calls between top league officials in the Big 12 and the Pac-12 and other calls between other factions of the league — including legal — to discussion different options,” Thamel said. “The extent of the conversations had not been previously reported.”

The report states that the Pac-12 laid out three options for the Big 12 to consider, with the latter enjoying one more than the other two. Pooling rights together, making some kind of scheduling model between the two conferences, or completely merging together. The Big 12 was in favor of becoming a 22-league conference since it could have “could have potentially driven value because of the sheer numbers of schools and populations areas.”

Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark says conference is open for business

For the first time as commissioner, Brett Yormark is facing questions at Media Day. He will officially be replacing Bob Bowlsby on Aug. 1 but will have the opportunity to share his vision for the future of the conference.

During his opening comments, Yormark made his stance known of where the Big 12 stands in the frenzy that is college football realignment. He said the conference is “open for business” and his top goal as commissioner is to bring value.

“One thing is for sure: The Big 12 is open for business,” said. “We will leave no stone unturned to drive value for the conference.”

Yormark doubled down, saying the upcoming media deal is the most crucial aspect when discussing the future of the conference. He said nothing will be more important than making sure the conference positions itself correctly for upcoming negotiations.

“One thing is crystal clear,” Yormark began. “There is no higher priority than to best position the Big 12 for its upcoming multimedia rights negotiations. Everything we do must create momentum for these negotiations. As well as building the value of the Big 12 brand and business.”