The Big 12 announced Brett Yormark will take over as conference commissioner, replacing Bob Bowlsby after a decade in charge. Bowlsby revealed his intention to step down in April and Yormark is set to officially start his 5-year contract on August 1. Cincinnati will join the Big 12 on July 1, 2023 alongside BYU, Houston and UCF.
The Big 12 is finalizing a deal with Brett Yormark, COO of Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, to be its next commissioner, per @SINow. pic.twitter.com/IshdlIiawS
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) June 28, 2022
Cincinnati Athletics: Brett Yormark named Big 12 Conference commissioner
“Thank you to the Big 12 board, the athletic directors, the student-athletes, and the whole conference for giving me a chance to support what they all do,” Yormark said in a press release per the Big 12. “I’m here to listen, learn, find ways to add value, add resources and try to help shine a light on the importance of college athletics.”
Yormark was CEO of the Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center from 2005-2019 and had a significant role in the franchise’s move from New Jersey to Brooklyn in 2012. In recent years, Yormark has worked with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation as co-CEO of Roc Nation Unified before serving as COO of Roc Nation since January.
Brett Yormark, Chief Operating Officer of Jay-Z’s agency Roc Nation, will be Big 12’s new commissioner, sources told @ActionNetworkHQ. Yormark, 55, replaces outgoing commish Bob Bowlsby. 1st reported by @RossDellenger & @ByPatForde
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) June 28, 2022
The New Jersey native also worked as vice president of corporate sponsors for NASCAR. “I look forward to leveraging my experience and network alongside our presidents, chancellors and athletic directors to shape the future of the Big 12 brand and emphasize our collective strengths,” Yormark explained in the press release.
Even though Yormark has no experience in overseeing college athletics, it’s not an unreasonable hire since the sport is so focused on financial gain and national expansion. Yormark has plenty of experience in both areas and has a prior connection to Pac-12 commissioner George Kliavkoff. Bowlsby is also expected to transition to an interim role with the Big 12.