CFB1h ago
Big 12 Looks to Replace Title Games if Playoff Expansion Cuts Them
Commissioner Brett Yormark says the conference will create new events to maintain fan engagement if an expanded playoff removes championship matchups.
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Planning for Potential Changes
Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark indicated the league would seek a replacement event if an expanded College Football Playoff to 24 teams eliminates conference title games. He noted that such championship contests have driven significant engagement, and the conference would backstop them with other attractions if needed. The most recent football title game drew 85,519 fans.
Basketball Strength and Tournament Outlook
Yormark highlighted the league's basketball standing, calling it the second-best behind only the NBA after securing nine first-round picks in the 2026 draft, a conference record. The men's and women's tournaments will remain in Kansas City through 2031. An NCAA tournament expansion to 76 teams could further help, following eight men's and eight women's teams from the league participating last season.
Conference Stability Remains Priority
Discussions continue about returning to 20 conference basketball games after the 2024-25 experiment with that format before shifting back to 18. Yormark expressed satisfaction with the current 16 schools, including eight added in the last four years, and sees no need for further realignment at this time.
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