During the cycle of conference realignment, the Big 12 lost four schools to three other conferences over two summers (2011-2) while adding TCU and West Virginia.

“Having walked through valley of shadow of death in conference realignment, I think we all understand the importance of a collaborative body. But what survived in all of that were the people who wanted to be together,” Burns said, adding there is now a certain feeling of vindication. “We were buried several times during that period and we continued to emerge. . . . Adversity builds strength. I think that’s exactly the case.”

Increasing revenue

Bowlsby expects overall revenue to increase another $31 million or so next year based on the league’s joint $2.6 billion television contract with FOX and ESPN, along with money from the new College Football Playoff. He expects per-team revenue to peak at more than $43 million during the TV deal that goes through 2024-25.

Big 12 revenue has more than doubled since $106 million was shared among 12 teams in 2007. With this year’s total, the league has now had more than $2 billion in revenue since its first year (1996-97).