Big 12 names Roc Nation exec Yormark as next commissioner

The Big 12 hired Roc Nation COO Brett Yormark as commissioner, the conference announced Wednesday.

“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 said in a statement. "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 spent the past three years at the talent agency owned by music mogul Jay-Z, working as co-CEO alongside his brother before being promoted to COO and president of business operations and strategy in January. His official start date as commissioner is expected to be Aug. 1.

The 55-year-old has little - if any - college athletic experience. However, he spent 14 years as CEO of BSE Global, which manages the Barclays Center and the Brooklyn Nets. He secured agreements to host NCAA Tournament games, the ACC men's basketball tournament, and several high-profile non-conference games.

Yormark also spent six years working for NASCAR. He has been named to Sports Business Journal's "40 Under 40" list on three occasions.

Bob Bowlsby announced in April that he planned to step down as commissioner.

The Big 12 is in the midst of substantial change apart from naming a new commissioner, with Texas and Oklahoma expected to leave the conference no later than 2025. However, Cincinnati, UCF, Houston, and BYU are set to join the Power 5 conference on July 1, 2023.