In a recent twist that’s got the sports world talking, Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark has stepped up to defend the conference’s slow pace in approving Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals.
There’s been a lot of noise from folks who think the sluggish process is holding athletes back from cashing in on their own brands. Yormark, though, insists the careful pace isn’t a mistake—it’s a deliberate move to keep everything above board and protect the sport’s integrity.
The Rationale Behind the Slow NIL Approvals
The Big 12’s drawn-out approval process for NIL deals has been a hot topic since the NCAA gave athletes the green light to profit from their name, image, and likeness.
Some say this slow grind puts Big 12 athletes at a disadvantage compared to players in other conferences. Yormark, however, frames it as a calculated choice—one meant to shield both athletes and their schools.
Ensuring Compliance and Integrity
One big reason for the slow pace is making sure every NIL deal ticks all the compliance boxes for NCAA rules and state laws.
Yormark argues that a thorough review is the only way to avoid violations that could mess with athletes’ eligibility or tarnish a school’s reputation. By taking their time, the Big 12 hopes to build a NIL system that’s both sustainable and above reproach.
Protecting Athlete Interests
There’s also the matter of looking out for athletes’ best interests. Yormark points out that a lot of young athletes might not really grasp the legal or financial fine print in these deals.
By digging into each agreement, the conference wants to make sure players don’t get taken advantage of and actually get fair value for their marketability. Sure, it’s slower, but the idea is to set athletes up for long-term success, not just quick wins.
Stakeholder Reactions and Concerns
Even with Yormark’s explanations, the slow NIL approvals have drawn plenty of criticism from athletes, coaches, and sponsors.
Many feel that the delays are costing athletes real chances to earn money in a fast-moving market.
Athlete Frustrations
Athletes haven’t been shy about sharing their frustrations. For a lot of them, cashing in on NIL is a huge part of their college experience—it’s not just about the game, it’s about building their future.
The wait times have left some feeling like they’re falling behind compared to their peers in other conferences, where things move more quickly.
Coach and Sponsor Concerns
Coaches and sponsors have their own worries. Coaches fear the delays could scare off top recruits, while sponsors are uneasy about the uncertainty and the potential for campaign hold-ups.
It’s not just about individual deals—it’s about the conference’s overall appeal and competitiveness.
Comparisons with Other Conferences
To really get the picture, it helps to look at what other conferences are doing. Some have cut through the red tape and set up much faster processes, letting athletes strike while the iron’s hot.
Streamlined Approaches in Other Conferences
The Southeastern Conference (SEC), for example, has a far more efficient approval system. Athletes there can lock in NIL deals with barely any delay, and folks have praised this for giving players timely access to new opportunities.
The Big Ten has also sped things up, keeping an eye on compliance but not letting it slow things down too much.
Balancing Speed and Compliance
Yormark still maintains that the Big 12’s approach is about finding the right balance. Maybe the fast-track methods in other conferences bring quick rewards, but he’s convinced a careful review protects the sport and the athletes in the long run.
It’s a tough juggling act, honestly, and there’s no perfect answer yet.
The Future of NIL Approvals in the Big 12
Looking forward, the Big 12 is in a tricky spot. They’ve got to figure out how to speed things up without letting standards slip.
Yormark has hinted at possible tweaks to make the process more efficient, but he’s not looking to throw out the core principles that guide the conference.
Potential Process Improvements
One idea on the table: set up clearer guidelines and more standardized procedures for NIL approvals. With more straightforward criteria and smoother workflows, approvals could happen faster without cutting corners.
Maybe bringing in more staff or resources would help too—anything to keep things moving without letting compliance fall through the cracks.
Engaging Stakeholders
Another piece of the puzzle is actually listening to the people involved. By getting input from athletes, coaches, and sponsors, the Big 12 could pinpoint the biggest headaches and work out fixes everyone can live with.
It’s not easy, but a collaborative approach might just lead to better NIL policies that everyone can get behind.
The debate over the Big 12’s slow NIL approval process is getting a lot of attention. Managing athlete marketability in college sports isn’t exactly straightforward these days.
Some folks are frustrated by how cautious the approach has been. On the other hand, Yormark keeps pointing to compliance and keeping athletes safe as top priorities.
Honestly, it’s a tough balancing act. The Big 12 is looking at ways to improve things, but rushing could backfire.
If you’re curious and want the full story, check out the article here.
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