EPISODE · May 5, 2026 · 28 MIN
BOMBSHELL: Every Big 12 Team Just Got a FREE $30 MILLION, Passing SEC, Big 10 in NEW Revenue Stream
from Locked On Big 12 | Daily College Football & Basketball Podcast · host Locked On Podcast Network
The partnership with RedBird Capital is being called a "business development alliance" rather than a traditional private equity deal, and that distinction is exactly why it’s a win for Commissioner Yormark. Here are the top five reasons this helps the conference: 1. Zero Equity Surrender The biggest "pro" is that the Big 12 is not selling a piece of itself. Unlike other proposed private equity models where firms take a 10–15% stake in future media revenue forever, this is a five-year strategic partnership. The conference gets the expertise and the cash without losing an ounce of ownership or governance. 2. Immediate "Innovation" Capital The $12.5 million direct infusion to the conference office acts as a startup fund. It allows the Big 12 to stop being just a "rights holder" and start being an "investor." They can now put money into emerging sports technologies or commercial ventures, creating new revenue streams that don't rely solely on how many people watch a football game on Saturday. 3. The $30 Million "Roster Bridge" By giving each school an optional $30 million line of credit, the league has provided a safety net for the upcoming revenue-sharing era. The Benefit: Schools can use this to immediately fund the ~$22 million annual player payout required by the House v. NCAA settlement without gutting their Olympic sports or firing staff. The Catch: It's a loan with a 10% interest rate, so it’s a tool for schools that need a "bridge" to the next TV deal, not a free handout. 4. Insider Access to the Media Giants RedBird’s portfolio is a "Who's Who" of the media landscape. They are a major shareholder in Paramount (CBS) and are central to the future of TNT Sports. The Win: Having RedBird in the room gives the Big 12 a massive advantage in 2031 negotiations. It effectively puts the conference "next in line" for premium time slots and higher rights fees on networks that are currently dominated by the Big Ten and SEC. 5. The "Non-Compete" Advantage Hidden in the fine print is a clause that prevents RedBird from partnering with any other Power Conference in a similar capacity. In a world where the SEC and Big Ten have massive built-in revenue leads, the Big 12 just secured an exclusive seat at the table with one of the most successful sports investment firms on the planet. Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast RugietGet 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhlRugiet. Performance medicine for men. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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BOMBSHELL: Every Big 12 Team Just Got a FREE $30 MILLION, Passing SEC, Big 10 in NEW Revenue Stream
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