The Big 12 Conference stands out as the first among the Power Four conferences to finalize participation agreements with the College Sports Commission (CSC). This agency, established last year, oversees name, image, and likeness (NIL) payment regulations. Brett Yormark, commissioner of the Big 12, emphasized the conference’s commitment to leadership in this domain during their annual meetings.
“The Big 12 wants rules and enforcements, and we want to be a leader in that area,” Yormark shared after discussions wrapped up.
Signing the agreement indicates a significant stride toward enforcing regulations. The document mandates schools to forgo their litigation rights against the CSC, granting it authority to enforce rules on how athletes can be remunerated under agreements enacted post the House settlement.
Before the agreement can take full effect, all 68 schools from the Power Four must consent to the 11-page document. Although initial expectations were set for signatures by last December, Yormark noted an absence of similar commitments from other conferences.
Richard Linton, Kansas State’s president, highlighted the unanimous decision of the Big 12 board of directors—comprising presidents and chancellors of the league’s 16 schools—to endorse the document. Anticipations are in place to secure all necessary signatures by the upcoming week.
Key stipulations have been established since the approval of the House settlement last summer. These include salary caps and the CSC’s analytical duties regarding third-party NIL deals, facilitated by its NIL Go platform. During their meetings, Bryan Seeley, CEO of the CSC, engaged with Big 12 members and officials, elaborating on ongoing processes.
The CSC reported clearance of over 26,000 NIL agreements, summing up to approximately $242.3 million by May 1 since its inception. Yormark participated in discussions with CSC and other conference commissions, evaluating the startup’s progress.
“Like any startup…you have to think about what’s working and what’s not and what are the necessary adjustments…I’m bullish on the direction of the CSC,” he remarked.