The University of Oklahoma and the University of Texas indicated to the Big 12 Conference on Monday that they intend to leave the league in the coming years.
The formal notifications, which were required under the Big 12’s bylaws, open the way for the schools to move to the Southeastern Conference, which could swell into a 16-team league and sweep up far greater power, wealth and gridiron prestige.
In a joint statement on Monday morning, Oklahoma and Texas said they would not renew an existing media rights agreement connected to the Big 12 once it expires in 2025.