Texas A&M notifies Big 12 it’s officially ‘exploring’ realignment
Texas A&M President R. Bowen Loftin
Texas A&M has notified the Big 12 Conference on its intent to explore options related to its institution’s athletic conference affiliation.
In a letter to Big 12 Commissioner Dan Beebe, Aggies President R. Bowen Loftin stated the school is “exploring our options” but the letter is not a notice of A&M’s withdrawal from the Big 12 Conference.
Loftin goes on to state that if Texas A&M chooses to withdraw from the conference, it would do so in a way that complies with the bylaws of the Big 12. In addition, A&M would be supportive of the Big 12’s efforts to seek a new member of the conference.
As I have indicated previously, we are working very deliberately to act in the best long-term interests of both Texas A&M and the State of Texas. This truly is a 100-year decision, said Loftin in a statement on the school’s website. While we understand the desire of all parties to quickly reach a resolution, these are extremely complex issues that we are addressing methodically.
Ultimately, we are seeking to generate greater visibility nationwide for Texas A&M and our championship-caliber student-athletes, as well as secure the necessary and stable financial resources to support our athletic and academic programs, Loftin added. As a public university, Texas A&M owes it to the states taxpayers to maximize our assets and generate additional revenues both now and well into the future.
The move comes just two weeks after officials from the SEC announced that the conference would remain a 12-team league for now with the option to expand in the future if need be.
A&M’s Board of Regents voted on August 15 to give President Loftin authorization to make decisions based on conference realignment.
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