Big 12 Considering Innovative Adjustments to Broadcasts to Enhance Access

The Big 12 is reportedly considering a number of new-age adjustments to its television broadcasts in the future of football with live in-game interviews, mic’d up players and coaches and exclusive pre- and post-game locker room access all on the table, Sports Illustrated’s Ross Dellenger reported on Wednesday.

No changes appear to be imminent, but the discussions, which would be made in agreement with TV partners, could enhance the viewing experience and — much like the NFL and PGA Tour have done in recent years — provide exclusive commentary on the playing field that provides real-time insights from athletes and coaches. Here’s more from SI:

Modernizing game broadcasts is a small piece of a larger plan that first-year commissioner Brett Yormark is leading. Coming to college sports from an entertainment agency, Yormark enters with an innovative agenda that he hopes will propel the conference. In his first few months on the job, the league plans to play conference games in Mexico, has somewhat rebranded the league and plans a concert tour of music acts.

Yormark since taking over as Big 12 commissioner has promised a “younger, hipper, cooler” new-look of the league that has included, among other things, performance acts at tournaments, and the integration of more modernized broadcasts could be additive for viewers in a way that could provide substance beyond just the game itself.

Yormark also comes from a background in entertainment and may look at the avenue of growth in the Big 12 from a different angle. Possible changes to broadcast elements reportedly under consideration are just one of several things Yormark appears to be working on, too. The league also announced earlier this week it plans to play conference games (in both football and basketball!) in Mexico beginning in 2024. More from Dennis Dodd on that:

The Big 12 plans to enter into a multi-year agreement to play regular-season football and men’s basketball games in Mexico beginning in 2024, sources confirmed to CBS Sports’ Dennis Dodd. Monterrey (football) and Mexico City (men’s basketball) have been identified as potential host cities, and there are future plans to add women’s basketball, women’s soccer and baseball.

Though Kansas and incoming Big 12 member Houston have been targeted as a potential preferred matchup for Mexico City, no dates or teams have been finalized, sources told Dodd. An official announcement from the Big 12 is expected Wednesday with conference spring meetings being held this week in Scottsdale, Arizona.