Texas, Oklahoma Move One Step Closer to Joining SEC

The Big 12 Conference could lose its two most prominent members by 2025.

Officially, this means that the Big 12 Conference will no longer own the media rights to Texas and Oklahoma football and basketball after the 2024-25 athletic season ends. Unofficially, it means the Texas's and Oklahoma's efforts to join the Southeastern Conference are one stop closer to becoming reality.

Still, any announcement about Texas and Oklahoma leaving the Big 12 at the end of the 2024-25 season is premature. The notice of non-renewal of their media rights does not necessarily mean they will leave the conference or that they will join the SEC. As Bryan Fischer of Athlon Sports points out, the two universities would have to pay a hefty sum to leave the Big 12.

While Texas A&M could be plotting a move out of the SEC to avoid Texas A&M and Oklahoma, questions about another current Big 12 member are arising. The latest conference realignment could cause the University of West Virginia to seek greener pastures in another conference that's based closer to its Morgantown campus.

LOOK: 50 images of winning moments from sports history

Sometimes images are the best way to honor the figures we've lost. When tragedy swiftly reminds us that sports are far from the most consequential thing in life, we can still look back on an athlete's winning moment that felt larger than life, remaining grateful for their sacrifice on the court and bringing joy to millions.

Read on to explore the full collection of 50 images Stacker compiled showcasing various iconic winning moments in sports history. Covering achievements from a multitude of sports, these images represent stunning personal achievements, team championships, and athletic perseverance.