The Big 12 has a new commissioner, and it looked outside the world of college athletics to fill the role.
The conference announced Wednesday that it has hired Brett Yormark as the successor to Bob Bowlsby, who spent the last 10 years running the league before announcing he would step away back in April. Yormark, the fifth commissioner in Big 12 history, will officially begin his new role on August 1. He has agreed to a five-year contract.
Yormark previously served as the chief operating officer of Roc Nation, the entertainment and sports agency founded by Jay-Z. Before becoming the company’s COO, Yormark was the co-CEO of Roc Nation Unified, the side of the business that oversees licensing and branding.
Yormark also spent nearly 15 years as the CEO of the Brooklyn Nets, overseeing the franchise’s move from New Jersey to Brooklyn and the construction of the Barclays Center. Yormark also worked as an executive for NASCAR.
“In Brett Yormark, we have chosen a highly adaptable leader who thrives in dynamic times. The landscape of college athletics is evolving to look more like the world Brett has been leading,” said Texas Tech president Lawrence Schovanec, the chair of the Big 12 Conference Board of Directors.
“He’s authentic and genuine in the way he builds relationships and partnerships, and he works relentlessly to deliver impact. As Brett immerses himself in college sports and connects with all our stakeholders, he will bring a fresh approach and dynamic energy to the Big 12 as we engage a new generation of student-athletes and fans.”
Big 12 in pivotal time of transition
Yormark arrives in the Big 12 during a time of transition in both the conference and college athletics as a whole.
“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…