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The first step toward the University of Oklahoma and Texas leaving the Big 12 conference came out on Monday morning. 

The schools sent the Big 12 a letter Monday saying that they will not be renewing their grants of media rights after their expiration in 2025.

"Providing notice to the Big 12 at this point is important in advance of the expiration of the conference's current media rights agreement.

The universities intend to honor their existing grant of rights agreements. However, both universities will continue to monitor the rapidly evolving collegiate athletics landscape as they consider how best to position their athletics programs for the future."

The statement does not mean that both OU and UT will be staying in the Big 12 until 2025, but serves to protect the schools legally.