The Big 12 Conference has announced significant changes to its men’s basketball schedule for the upcoming season, aiming to address concerns raised by coaches and players regarding the grueling 20-game conference slate. The new structure will reduce the number of games to 18, offering more balance between conference and nonconference matchups while ensuring teams have adequate rest periods.

Empowering Teams with Flexibility and Rest for Peak Performance

Expanding Membership and Balancing Schedules

The Big 12's expansion to 16 teams this year brought in fresh faces like Utah, Arizona, and Arizona State, along with the return of Colorado from the Pac-12. Despite losing long-standing members Oklahoma and Texas to the SEC, the conference now boasts its largest roster ever. This growth prompted a reevaluation of the scheduling format to ensure competitive balance and player welfare.Brian Thornton, the Big 12's vice president overseeing men’s basketball, highlighted the importance of reducing the game count to 18. "One of the key drivers for this change is achieving a better balance between conference and nonconference games," he explained. The extra day off will be particularly beneficial for schools located in the East, such as Cincinnati, West Virginia, and UCF, as well as those in the West, including BYU, Utah, and the Arizona institutions. These schools often face long travel distances, which can take a toll on players' physical and mental health.

Prioritizing Player Health and Competitive Integrity

Commissioner Brett Yormark emphasized the league's commitment to putting athletes first. "We are acutely aware of the wear and tear that comes with extensive travel and rigorous schedules," he said. "Our guiding principle is to create an environment where our student-athletes can perform at their best." By reducing the number of post-Christmas games, the Big 12 aims to provide teams with more opportunities to prepare and recover, ultimately leading to higher-quality competition.Moreover, the conference is discussing strategies to ensure quality nonconference games are played before Christmas. This approach not only benefits the teams but also enhances the overall attractiveness of the conference to fans and media outlets. The goal is to maintain a high level of competition throughout the season while giving players the necessary downtime to stay healthy and focused.

Kansas City: A Central Hub for Big 12 Basketball

Despite the addition of four western schools, the Big 12 remains committed to hosting its postseason tournament in Kansas City through 2031. Some fans from the new member institutions have expressed concerns about traveling to the Midwest after enjoying the convenience of Las Vegas for the Pac-12 Tournament. However, Yormark reassured them that Kansas City offers a world-class experience."Those who attended the women’s tournament last week were overwhelmingly positive about their experience," Yormark noted. "It was a first-class event that exceeded expectations." The commissioner also pointed out that Kansas City has been a loyal partner to the Big 12, providing a vibrant atmosphere and excellent facilities. Moving forward, the conference plans to continue leveraging the city's strengths to enhance the tournament experience for all participants.

Rewarding Excellence with Strategic Byes

The Big 12's postseason tournament setup remains unchanged, with the top four teams earning double-byes into the quarterfinals. The next tier of four teams receives single byes, while the remaining eight play first-round games. This system ensures that teams with standout seasons are rewarded appropriately.Thornton stressed the importance of this structure: "Half of our teams will likely qualify for the NCAA Tournament, and we want to make sure that those who have excelled throughout the season aren't overburdened with additional games leading up to the big stage." By preserving this format, the Big 12 reinforces its commitment to recognizing excellence and setting teams up for success in the most prestigious tournaments.