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Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark has made quite the impression on Colorado head coach Deion Sanders. Prime had nothing but good things to say while taking part in his first Big 12 media day event this week.
There are a number of reasons why Sanders might’ve taken a liking to his conference’s leader, one of which included a $2.5 million signing bonus for the university to join the Big 12.
News of that bonus came out on late Tuesday, shortly before Coach Prime took to the podium in Las Vegas.
Here’s more on that deal from Sports Business Journal:
The Univ. of Colorado was offered a $2.5M “signing bonus” from the Big 12 last year as an “added enticement” to get the Buffaloes to leave the Pac-12 and join the Big 12 instead…
Commissioner Brett Yormark said, “I’m not going to discuss my negotiating tactics, but listen, we were thrilled that Colorado was the first mover. Ultimately one got us four, you know, when you think about it. Whatever we did in those negotiations seemed to work out pretty well for us.”
Colorado has the distinction of being the only university to receive that signing bonus. Their initial move to the Big 12 eventually sparked a domino effect that all but ended the PAC 12.
The plan worked perfectly for both parties, and it’s gotten the relationship between Sanders and Yormark off to a swimming start.
Deion Sanders praised Brett Yormark at Big 12 Media Days.
Sanders arrived in Las Vegas this week to preview his team’s upcoming season. He addressed the media on Wednesday, starting with a statement on his new commissioner.
Deion Sanders is a big fan of Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark.@kslsports pic.twitter.com/EgQXEJVTJ0
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) July 10, 2024
“I think we have the best commissioner in football,” Prime said. “He’s absolutely a legend, a baller, a shot caller. He’s a boss.”
The feeling is mutual.
Yormark believes the two are more similar than they are different.
“Listen, I would look at him a little like me. We’re both a little disruptive in a positive way. We like to break boundaries in a positive way, and we like to stir the pot a little bit. I think that’s very healthy, and I think collegiate athletics needs it.”
-Brett Yormark on Deion Sanders
Yormark says his conference is one of the top three in the nation, and he’s not stopping until it reaches No. 1.
To bridge the revenue gap between the Big 12 and the SEC/B1G, the commissioner is getting creative, which includes looking at potential private equity investments and toying with the idea of selling the league’s naming rights.
Will it work? Yorkmark certainly believes it’s worth the risk.
His $2.5 million incentive to snatch Colorado has already paid off. Maybe his other proposals will, too!