OSU President, Big 12 Commissioner Respond To OU & Texas Move To Leave Conference

The University of Oklahoma and the University of Texas take the first real step toward leaving the Big 12 conference.

Monday, July 26th 2021, 7:43 pm

By: John Holcomb

The University of Oklahoma and the University of Texas take the first real step toward leaving the Big 12 conference.

The two schools are getting closer to joining to the southeastern conference, but there are still some things to iron out first.

OU and Texas released a joint statement Monday detailing that they have let the Big 12 know they will not be renewing their grants of media rights when the current agreement ends in 2025.

Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby issued a statement, saying that although disappointed, “we recognize that intercollegiate athletics is experiencing rapid change and will most likely look much different in 2025 than it does currently. the remaining eight institutions will work together to thoughtfully and strategically position the Big 12 conference for continued success, both athletically and academically, long into the future."

OSU President Kayce Shrum issued a statement on OU’s decision Monday.

Earlier today, OU delivered a document to the Big 12 Conference office which indicated they will not renew their grant of media rights with the Big 12 following the 2024-25 season. This action was strategic, deliberate and results from months of planning with the SEC. These conversations, which developed over a long period, are a clear breach of the Big 12 Conference bylaws and broke the decades-long bond of trust between our universities. It is difficult to understand how an Oklahoma institution of higher education would follow the University of Texas to the detriment of the state of Oklahoma.

Nevertheless, we are looking to the future and what is best for Oklahoma State University. Over the last few days, I have received countless phone calls, texts and emails from high-ranking officials and members of the Cowboy family showing their support for OSU as we navigate the road ahead. Regardless of what comes next, OSU is dedicated to the state of Oklahoma. We remain confident OSU is in the strongest position ever, and I am excited about the future of Oklahoma State University, our land-grant mission, world-class faculty and top-notch athletic programs.