Press Release from the Big 12 Conference
IRVING, Texas – Today, the Big 12 Conference announced a new strategic partnership with the National Football League that is designed to strengthen the entire football ecosystem, from officiating and innovation to global growth and the student-athlete experience. The collaboration brings together two of the sport’s most influential organizations to build the future of football with shared purpose and aligned values.
Through this partnership, the Big 12 and NFL will work side by side on officiating development, global football initiatives, emerging technology, analytics, and flag football expansion. The goal is simple: elevate the game, grow the game, and protect the game for generations to come.
“We are thrilled to begin this groundbreaking partnership with the NFL,” said Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark. “By aligning with the NFL to elevate Big 12 football and grow our brand, we will strengthen our game on the field and enhance our student-athlete experience. This collaboration, with our nation’s largest sports organization, also showcases that the Big 12 is truly a different league.”
The partnership also connects the Big 12 to the NFL’s work in international strategy, technology pilots, and global flag football. From joint appearances at international identification camps to shared testing of player-tracking technology and performance systems, both organizations will push the game forward with data-driven insight and hands-on collaboration.
“This is about being football strong now and in the future,” said Troy Vincent, NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations. “We’re committed to working with the Big 12 to help develop world-class officials, data scientists, athletic trainers, and coaches. Football is strong when we collaborate. Together we’re improving the student-athlete experience, expanding global opportunities, and investing in the long-term health of the sport.”
One of the areas of focus is officiating. The NFL and the Big 12 will expand opportunities for joint training and evaluation programs. Officials from the Conference will gain access to NFL clinics, weekly teaching tapes, and advanced accountability tools. Both organizations will collaborate to identify officials with the potential to advance into professional football.
“The Big 12 has a strong pool of officiating talent, and this collaboration helps us build on that foundation,” said Perry Fewell, NFL Senior Vice President of Officiating. “Through shared learning, consistent standards, and modern training environments, we’re preparing the next generation of officials for the highest levels of the sport.”
Big 12 Chief Football and Competition Officer Scott Draper added, “We are committed to finding, training, and developing the current and next group of Big 12 officials. The NFL’s training and evaluation programs set the standard, and our officials and student-athletes will benefit from direct access to that level of expertise. This partnership puts development first, which strengthens every part of our game.”
The two organizations will also collaborate to grow flag football across Big 12 campuses, connecting collegiate programs with NFL Flag resources, coaching tools, and player appearances. The expansion aligns with football’s global movement and the rising popularity of flag at the youth, collegiate, and international levels.
This announcement marks a significant step in a shared vision to cultivate the next generation of leaders, enhance competitive excellence, and ensure that football remains strong, accessible, and forward-looking.Click here to unsubscribe from this newsletter.
Photo Credit: WVU Athletics
