Story perspectives

Big 12 Secures $500M Financing, Colorado Gets $30M Credit

5/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Big 12 partnered with RedBird Capital and Weatherford Capital for up to $500 million in financing.
Colorado Buffaloes received a $30 million line of credit, face a $27 million 2026 deficit and fund $20.5 million NIL payments and Deion Sanders’ $10 million salary.
RedBird has secured $145 million in conference revenue.
Commissioner Brett Yormark said the loan-and-partner model preserves 100 % school ownership, avoids equity sales used by the Big 10 and SEC, and adds media-buying expertise.

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Story summary

The Big 12 partnered with RedBird Capital and Weatherford Capital for up to $500 million in financing.
Colorado Buffaloes received a $30 million line of credit, face a $27 million 2026 deficit and fund $20.5 million NIL payments and Deion Sanders’ $10 million salary.
RedBird has secured $145 million in conference revenue.
Commissioner Brett Yormark said the loan-and-partner model preserves 100 % school ownership, avoids equity sales used by the Big 10 and SEC, and adds media-buying expertise.