From a Big 12 notice to an SEC vote: Texas and Oklahoma’s week
Texas and Oklahoma announced that they would not renew their Big 12 grant of media rights. Days later, on July 29, 2021, the SEC presidents and chancellors voted unanimously to invite both, with membership set to begin July 1, 2025 under the plan announced that day.
Day by day
- Jul 23, 2021Paul Finebaum discussed the possible addition of Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC.
- Jul 26, 20213 days laterTexas and Oklahoma announced they would not renew their Big 12 grant of media rights.
- Jul 27, 20211 day laterThe two schools asked the SEC for invitations to join in 2025.
- Jul 29, 20212 days laterThe SEC’s presidents and chancellors voted unanimously to invite both.
- Jul 30, 20211 day laterThe regents of both universities voted to accept the invitation.
The day
Jul 29, 2021
University of Texas
However, both universities will continue to monitor the rapidly evolving collegiate athletics landscape as they consider how best to position their athletics programs for the future …
Reaction
Jul 26 to Jul 30, 2021
Welcomes or defends the move
Jay Hartzell, Texas president
This is the right decision at the right time for the future of our UT athletics programs …
Answers the move from the Big 12 side
Bob Bowlsby, Big 12 commissioner
The meeting was cordial, and the executive committee expressed a willingness to discuss proposals that would strengthen the conference …
Neither side
ABC13
The board of regents in Texas and Oklahoma unanimously voted to formally accept an invitation to join the SEC, the schools announced Friday.
A school or conference’s own statement
Oklahoma and Texas (joint statement)
The joint request seeks an invitation for membership in the SEC starting on July 1, 2025.
Southeastern Conference
The Presidents and Chancellors of the Southeastern Conference on Thursday voted unanimously today to extend membership invitations to the University of Oklahoma and the University of Texas to join the SEC effective July 1, 2025, with competition to begin in all sports for the 2025-26 academic year.
Sports Illustrated, Jul 29, 2021
Release, via Sports Illustrated; the SEC’s release, printed in full
Background
Earlier statements
Before the notice
Paul Finebaum, Voice of the SEC Network
I think this was one of the most amazing moments in college football history and if this goes the distance, and right now I think there’s a reasonably good chance it will, you’re talking about blowing up the system that we now know, …
Related
- Texas and Oklahoma move to the SECThis page
- Sep 10, 2021The Big 12 adds BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF
- Jun 30, 2022USC and UCLA leave the Pac-12 for the Big Ten
- Jul 27, 2023Colorado returns to the Big 12
- Aug 4, 2023Oregon and Washington join the Big Ten
- Aug 4, 2023Arizona, Arizona State and Utah leave the Pac-12 for the Big 12
- Sep 1, 2023Stanford and Cal join the ACC
- Dec 22, 2023Florida State sues the ACC
Sources
News and releases
KBTX, Jul 26, 2021“University of Texas, Oklahoma will not renew Big 12 media rights contract”
Release, as quoted by KBTX; the University of Texas’s release
- FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth, Jul 26, 2021
“Texas, Oklahoma won’t renew Big XII media rights; decision paves way for move to SEC”
- University of Oklahoma, Jul 27, 2021
“Joint Statement From The University of Oklahoma and The University of Texas at Austin”
Release published by the University of Oklahoma; on its own news page
- Sports Illustrated, Jul 29, 2021
“SEC Officially Extends Membership Invitations to Oklahoma, Texas”
- ABC13 Houston, Jul 30, 2021
“Texas and Oklahoma unanimously accept invitation to SEC”
Saturday Down South, Jul 23, 2021·Archived copy“Paul Finebaum reacts to Texas and Oklahoma speculation: ‘You’re talking about blowing up the system that we now know’”
Remarks, as quoted by Saturday Down South; said on-air (SportsCenter appearance), and the card links to the Saturday Down South text