Press Release from Big 12 Conference
IRVING, Texas– The Big 12 Conference has announced an innovative new partnership with AthleteApps.com that will provide every Big 12 student-athlete from all 16 institutions the opportunity to receive their own mobile app for free. This initiative, the first of its kind for a college conference, gives Big 12 student-athletes the tools to control their digital presence, engage fans and monetize their brand, both during and after their athletic careers.
“The Big 12 has made a seismic move to equip and empower student-athletes and help them better monetize their full digital value,” said Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer and original founder of AthleteApps.com Michael Redd. “The Big 12 Conference wants to ensure every athlete has the chance to build a sustainable income that will last long after their playing days are over.”
Each app will allow athletes to connect directly with their fanbase by sending push notifications, while maintaining ownership of their data. Student-athletes will earn 100% of the revenue from the ads they place on their app, along with revenue from custom elements such as merchandise, memorabilia, and private lessons.
“Our Conference remains at the forefront of helping student-athletes build their brands through technology and innovation,” said Big 12 Chief Brand and Business Officer Tyrel Kirkham. “This partnership with AthleteApps.com is a new resource for Big 12 student-athletes to enhance fan engagement, monetize their digital footprint and create future opportunities for brand growth, both now and after their playing days.”
The app can also be integrated into social media platforms, creative content and game schedules as part of AthleteApps.com’s work with thousands of apps for athletes across the collegiate and professional landscapes.
About Big 12 Conference
The Big 12 enters its 30th year as one of the nation’s premier conferences in college athletics under the leadership of Commissioner Brett Yormark. Since joining the Conference in August 2022, Yormark has elevated the Big 12 to new heights, emphasizing marketing, brand building and instilling an innovative strategy that has resonated across the college athletics landscape.
The Conference is composed of 16 universities spanning 10 states and four time zones. The Big 12 members include Arizona, Arizona State, Baylor, BYU, UCF, Cincinnati, Colorado, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas Tech, Utah and West Virginia.
The Big 12 began play in 1996 and is the home of 92 team NCAA national championships, and 775 individual national champions (as of Nov. 25, 2025). The Big 12 Conference office is located in Irving, Texas.
Photo Credit: WVU Athletics
