B12 nearing a $500M deal with RedBird and Weatherford Capital
“The agreement would potentially total up to $500 million if every school opts in. Big 12 presidents and chancellors have authorized commissioner Brett Yormark to take another step toward finalizing a credit-style deal, with a final decision expected in the coming weeks once the long-form agreements are completed. Sources told Yahoo Sports the conference would not give up any stake or equity as part of the arrangement.
The proposal is structured as a three-part package. First, RedBird would provide an initial cash investment into the Big 12 conference office to help expand revenue-generating commercial operations. Second, the firms would offer an optional capital credit line of roughly $30 million per school at a reduced rate, with no requirement for schools to participate. Third, the Big 12 would enter a broader strategic business partnership with RedBird and Weatherford aimed at professionalizing the conference office, growing new revenue streams, and identifying additional investment opportunities inside and outside college athletics.”
I’m wondering what “expanding revenue-generating commercial operations” looks like. I’m also not too comfortable about these lines of credit at reduced rates. Thoughts?
Posted: 12/13/2025 at 09:48 AM ET
Thread Replies (21)
B12 nearing a $500M deal with RedBird and Weatherford Capital
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-- Marooned
Dec 13, 2025 at 09:48 AM ET
Marooned
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12/13/25 09:48 AM ET
A taxpayers/students getting screwed deal**
-- CrystalCoveHokie
Dec 13, 2025 at 09:36 PM ET
CrystalCoveHokie
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12/13/25 09:36 PM ET
Problem is self evident…Highly misplaced priorities **
-- CrystalCoveHokie
Dec 14, 2025 at 01:48 PM ET
CrystalCoveHokie
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12/14/25 01:48 PM ET
It looks like a line of credit up to $30M. So just a plain old loan.**
-- RandomAsianGuy
Dec 13, 2025 at 12:27 PM ET
RandomAsianGuy
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12/13/25 12:27 PM ET
Kind of like "Vinnie's Bank", with branches in "Social Clubs" in The Bronx
-- ancient alien 2018
Dec 13, 2025 at 06:32 PM ET
ancient alien 2018
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12/13/25 06:32 PM ET
I'll be curious to see how many schools take the $30M line of credit
-- SMU Pony
Dec 13, 2025 at 12:22 PM ET
SMU Pony
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12/13/25 12:22 PM ET
$30M is big money. but
-- RandomAsianGuy
Dec 13, 2025 at 12:35 PM ET
RandomAsianGuy
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12/13/25 12:35 PM ET
Is all of this because schools are spending more than they bring in?
-- MP4VT2004
Dec 13, 2025 at 12:22 PM ET
MP4VT2004
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12/13/25 12:22 PM ET
A lot of Big 12 programs were already treading water financially...
-- SMU Pony
Dec 13, 2025 at 12:27 PM ET
SMU Pony
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12/13/25 12:27 PM ET
Baylor has big donors, and KU has locked up their funding already. The
-- Big12 guy
Dec 13, 2025 at 12:47 PM ET
Big12 guy
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12/13/25 12:47 PM ET
Baylor's big donors are tapped out & KU doesnt really care about football**
-- SMU Pony
Dec 13, 2025 at 01:13 PM ET
SMU Pony
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12/13/25 01:13 PM ET
Well, of all the opinions, this is one for sure. Whatever. **
-- Big12 guy
Dec 13, 2025 at 02:15 PM ET
Big12 guy
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12/13/25 02:15 PM ET
Best link to explain the deal. **
-- Big12 guy
Dec 13, 2025 at 12:07 PM ET
Big12 guy
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12/13/25 12:07 PM ET
Described as a loan, LOL is Mr. *Wonderful from 🦈 tank on this deal? 😁
-- Stech
Dec 13, 2025 at 12:19 PM ET
Stech
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12/13/25 12:19 PM ET
Drew Weatherford couldn't.........
-- 2hhoop3
Dec 13, 2025 at 11:23 AM ET
2hhoop3
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12/13/25 11:23 AM ET
The problem with this is it just one more thing that will be
-- Vippie1
Dec 13, 2025 at 11:14 AM ET
Vippie1
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12/13/25 11:14 AM ET
It feels like everyone is grasping at straws, including the P2 & networks. **
-- Big12 guy
Dec 13, 2025 at 11:55 AM ET
Big12 guy
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12/13/25 11:55 AM ET
Unless it gives them the ability to secure a media
-- Big12 guy
Dec 13, 2025 at 10:19 AM ET
Big12 guy
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12/13/25 10:19 AM ET
Agree, and this is just a financing/debt deal.
-- RJHokie
Dec 13, 2025 at 10:29 AM ET
RJHokie
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12/13/25 10:29 AM ET