In the wake of Wednesday’s report from the Houston Chronicle suggesting Oklahoma and Texas have inquired about joining the Southeastern Conference, athletic directors, presidents and chancellors from the Big 12 held a videoconference Thursday.
Representatives from Texas and Oklahoma were invited, but did not participate, according to multiple media outlets, including The Athletic and ESPN. The other eight schools in the Big 12 were represented in the meeting.
In a statement to Sports Illustrated following the meeting, the Big 12 made mention of its grant-of-rights agreements with league members, and said in part, “There is a recognition that institutions may act in their own self-interest, however there is an expectation that members adhere to Conference bylaws and the enforcement of Grant of Rights agreements.”
All Big 12 schools have signed a grant-of-rights agreement granting their media rights for football and men’s basketball to the league through June 2025, the same year the league’s television contracts with ESPN and Fox expire.
That could prevent Oklahoma and Texas from leaving in the near future, though both schools could also agree on a settlement with the conference allowing them to leave the Big 12 before then.
Adding and Oklahoma and Texas would give the SEC 16 teams, while the Big 12 would be left with eight.
There has been no denial from Oklahoma or Texas in regards to the schools’ interest in joining the SEC.
Texas Tech chancellor Tedd L. Mitchell made his displeasure known with the Longhorns and Sooners when posted a pair of messages on social media Thursday that read in part: ‘Like many across our state and within the footprint of our league, I’ve been extremely disappointed by the actions and intentions of our friends in Austin and Norman. From day one of the Big 12 Conference’s existence, Texas Tech has been a proud and trustworthy partner.’
West Virginia representatives have yet to release a statement on the matter. A spokesperson in the Mountaineer athletic department said Thursday, “(Athletic director) Shane (Lyons) is not commenting on conference realignment and does not have any relevant information to share.”