The University of Texas at Austin will continue competing in the Big 12 Conference, university officials confirmed today.
The university’s commitment was verified by President William Powers Jr. After examining every facet of a 10-member league from competitive, media, branding and economic perspectives, the university determined it is well-served by membership in the Big 12.
“We believe this decision is in the best interest of our student-athletes, coaches and university constituencies,” Powers said. “We are pleased to continue the traditions we have developed with our partners in the Big 12. We are in this 10-team conference for the long-term.”
“Our priority all along has been the continuance of the Big 12 Conference. We have worked diligently with other league members and conference staff to assess the strength and future viability of our institutions,” said DeLoss Dodds, men’s athletics director. “The Big 12 has served its members well. We move forward with the commitment and confidence of 10 Big 12 universities to ensure the very best academic and athletics opportunities for the student-athletes we support.”
“We have been thorough in assessing all of our options,” said Chris Plonsky, women’s athletics director. “After due diligence and deliberation, we believe we are tremendously well-served by the Big 12 Conference. For one, we cherish the preservation of traditional rivalries. We also have assurances that we may continue working toward our goal of establishing a UT television network-channel that would provide additional exposure for our institution, seeded greatly with programming associated with our 20 men’s and women’s sports programs.”
Powers added that the Big 12 is positioned to succeed in a changing collegiate athletics landscape. The University of Texas System Board of Regents does not need to meet to approve this decision.
The Big 12 will consist of Baylor, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Missouri, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, Texas AandM and Texas Tech.
