Commissioner Brett Yormark’s plan isn’t as radical as the Big Ten’s unsuccessful attempt to partner with UC Investments.

Last year, CBS Sports reported that Big 12 members were considering a first-of-its-kind private equity investment to ensure the league's long-term financial and competitive security. On the table was a possible cash infusion of $800 million to $1 billion from Luxembourg-based CVC Capital Partners in exchange for a 15% to 20% stake in the league.

The Big 12 is negotiating a business partnership to provide its schools up to $500 million in capital, the latest example of the league's innovative

The partnership would focus on expanding commercial and business operations while offering a capital line of credit to 16 universities.

Houston had one player make the AP all-Big 12 first team. It was breakout junior wide receiver Amare Thomas. As an experienced transfer from UAB, Thomas was expected to play a big role in the revamped wide receiver room for the Cougars. Nobody really foresaw this level of contribution, but Thomas is now one of the stars on the Houston offense.

The Big 12 basketball top three was shuffled around following a top 15 win from the Arizona Wildcats. Here's how all 16 teams stack up.

A Big 12 coach doesn't think Texas Tech can overcome its quarterback play to be a threat in the College Football Playoff.

Conference play begins on Saturday, January 3. For Houston, its first Big 12 opponent is Cincinnati on the road at 1 p.m. on FOX. This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/houston as Where Houston Cougars Rank Among Big 12 Teams Before Conference Play.

They whiffed last spring, and it wasn’t close. ASU’s record (13-20) was the worst of Hurley’s tenure. But athletic director Graham Rossini opted to bring Hurley back for another year — for the final year of his contract.