The Big 12 has "changed from the dysfunctional conference that always seemed way too close to the self-destruct button," as all of its "public posturing and talk of ... being 'psychologically disadvantaged' may have actually done some good," according to Chuck Carlton of the DALLAS MORNING NEWS. Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby said, "People never disliked each other. They just had honest disagreements as to how things ought to fit together. We had a lot of challenging issues. We've resolved many of those issues. As a result, we're enjoying a period of prosperity." The conference made the "decision to remain at 10 teams, apparently at least through the current TV agreements" running through '25. The return of the conference's football championship game has "worked with Oklahoma advancing to the College Football Playoff each of the last two years." West Virginia President E. Gordon Gee said, "When we went through the process of determining whether or not we were going to stay the course, or add teams, when we made that final determination, that solidified things." He added, "Money solves a lot of woes. It also is a sign of success. It is not everything. But we are being very successful, and I think that is important to where we are. That does give us a sense of solidity, purpose, momentum" (DALLASNEWS.com, 6/9).
