Big 12 Conference appoints WME Sports and IMG Media to lead global content and commercial strategy
consulting
29.09.2022
The Big 12 Conference today announced it has appointed WME Sports and IMG Media, both Endeavor companies, to facilitate its global content and commercial strategy. Leaning into the expertise of the broader Endeavor network, WME Sports and IMG Media will lead the Big 12’s:
- media strategy, advisory and negotiation;
- conference composition strategy;
- premier asset assessment; and
- sales analytics and valuation.
“We have aligned with a best-in-class team to build a best-in-class business strategy for the Conference,” said Commissioner Brett Yormark. “As we ‘Open for Business’ to elevate the Big 12, the expertise and knowledge WME Sports and IMG Media bring to the table is critically important to analyze and evaluate the merit of commercial initiatives that strengthen our brand.”
“We are proud to bring the full power of the Endeavor network to bear for the Big 12,” said Karen Brodkin, Co-Head, WME Sports and EVP of Content Strategy and Development, Endeavor. “Brett and his team are innovating, upgrading and commercially accelerating value across the full spectrum of Conference assets, including media, content, partnerships, championship events, music, entertainment, international events and Web3, and we look forward to partnering with them to realize all of their ambitions.”
As part of its scope, WME Sports and IMG Media will support the Big 12 in its multimedia rights and social media strategy; advise on the use of data, sports wagering, NFTs, and IP; help develop premium fan experiences; and deliver unique opportunities around championship and other special events. The team will be led by WME Sports’ Karen Brodkin and Mike Zavodsky and IMG Media’s Hillary Mandel.
Beginning July 1, 2023, the Big 12 Conference expands to 14 members – Baylor, BYU, Central Florida, Cincinnati, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas, Texas Tech, and West Virginia. The additions jump the Big 12 footprint from five states and 40.2 million people, to eight states with more than 76.5 million total residents.
