Big 12 Conference Embraces Global Expansion with Historic London Game

The Big 12 Conference is set to make a significant mark in the world of college football with its plans for global expansion. This weekend, the conference will witness a crucial matchup as the defending champions, Arizona State, host the Texas Tech Red Raiders, currently ranked seventh. The outcome of this game could play a pivotal role in shaping the race for the College Football Playoff.

Under the leadership of Brett Yormark, the Big 12 aims to elevate its profile internationally. On September 19, 2026, the conference will host a landmark game at Wembley Stadium, featuring a clash between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the University of Kansas Jayhawks. This event marks the first time college football will be played at Wembley, which has previously hosted only one college game, a 1988 encounter between Richmond and Boston University.

Yormark emphasized the importance of this global outreach during a recent interview. “Global international expansion for us is part of that growth strategy,” he stated. He believes that by increasing the conference’s visibility worldwide, they can enhance recruitment and drive enrollment. “We can raise the global profile of our conference and engage fans across the globe,” he added, highlighting the core mission of improving student athlete experiences.

Yormark’s experience in sports management, including his tenure as CEO of the Brooklyn Nets, has equipped him with insights into the international appeal of American sports. He orchestrated the Nets’ historic games in London and has consistently sought innovative ways to broaden the reach of college athletics.

The Big 12’s initiative comes at a time when the landscape of college football is rapidly evolving. In recent years, significant changes have taken place, particularly following the announcements by Texas and Oklahoma to leave the Big 12 for the SEC, altering the dynamics of conference alignments. This shift prompted the Big 12 to act decisively, adding teams such as BYU, Cincinnati, UCF, Houston, Colorado, Arizona, Arizona State, and Utah to strengthen its position.

As the college football environment continues to transform, with the rise of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and increasing media rights negotiations, the Big 12 is positioning itself as a forward-thinking entity. The conference views itself as a “change agent,” prepared to capitalize on opportunities in the global marketplace.

Beyond the excitement of the upcoming game in London, the Big 12 has already secured a three-year agreement for the Union Jack Classic, which will include additional matchups in future seasons. The conference is also set to return to Dublin, where the University of North Carolina will face TCU in 2026, marking the fifth consecutive year for college football in Ireland.

Yormark’s vision extends beyond mere game exports; he aims to create cultural moments that resonate globally. “You only get one chance to launch, why not do it on one of the most historic stages in the world?” he remarked, underscoring the significance of the event.

As anticipation builds for the Big 12’s international ventures, the landscape of college football is changing dramatically. Fans are more engaged than ever, and the passion for college sports continues to thrive, both in the United States and abroad. With the Big 12 leading the charge into the global arena, the future of college football promises to be as exciting as it is unpredictable.