Brett Yormark details Big 12's stance on NCAA governance, desire for 'shift' to power conferences

As conversations continue about the future of NCAA governance, the power conferences have taken center stage. Documents show the Autonomous Four are seeking more control, and the House v. NCAA settlement could also impact the power they have.

The Big 12 is on board with more authority for the P4, commissioner Brett Yormark said. He cited a need for a “shift” toward the top leagues when assessing what NCAA governance will look like.

Yormark expressed optimism about the current conversations about power conference control. That said, he also pointed out the importance of the NCAA while acknowledging the need for some more authority for the Power Four.

“I think generally speaking – and I do speak on behalf of my colleagues – there is an appetite and a desire to have a little bit more autonomy, a little bit more control in decision-making,” Yormark said in Orlando. “In what’s currently being discussed, I think we will land in a very desirable place.

“We understand the importance of being part of the institution and also being very collegial with our peers. But at the same time, we do feel that when it comes to control and autonomy, there needs to be a little bit of a shift for the A4 – at least, more so than currently exists. Those are the conversations that we’re having right now.”

One of the central issues to the authority that the Power Four has is the House v. NCAA settlement. The college sports world is still waiting for a ruling from Judge Claudia Wilken on approval of the landmark agreement, and documents show the NCAA is set to cede enforcement to the power conferences if it receives full approval.

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey spoke earlier this week about what he wants to see out of a new governance model. He called for a Power 4 division within the NCAA, meaning the power conferences would be able to legislate independently while maintaining full autonomy and still competing for NCAA championships.

As for the NCAA’s role in governance talks, Brett Yormark praised the way Charlie Baker handled the discussions. He added that Baker realized the “modernization” that needs to take place with the power conferences leading the charge.

“Charlie Baker has been terrific throughout the process,” Yormark said. “He has listened to all the key stakeholder groups. But he does recognize that not everyone looks the same, operates the same and there needs to be a bit of an adjustment in the modernization of what’s being done there – the NCAA at a whole … but also as it relates to the Power Four.”