Big 12 Announces Two-Year Extension With Kansas City for Basketball Tournaments
The Big 12 men’s and women’s basketball tournaments are staying in Kansas City for the foreseeable future.
On Friday, the Big 12 Conference approved two-year extension for Kansas City to host the league’s basketball tournaments through the 2026-2027 season.
Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby said in a statement, “Kansas City has been a valued partner, showcasing a true dedication to making these tournaments the best postseason basketball event in the country. As we prepare to welcome four new schools in the coming years, I’m confident Kansas City will continue to deliver a first-class Championship experience for our athletes, administrators, fans and partners.”
The Big 12 basketball tournament has been in Kansas City, Missouri every year since 2010 at the T-Mobile Center formerly known as the Sprint Center. The tournament’s roots go back to its founding in 1997 at Kemper Arena, also in Kansas City. Since then, it has also spent time in Dallas and Oklahoma City.
“Kansas City’s long affiliation with the Big 12 Conference entered an exciting new chapter in 2020 when we welcomed the women’s tournament back to Kansas City,” said Kathy Nelson, President and CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission and Visit KC. “Our city’s passion for basketball is on full display during the Big 12 Basketball Championships and we could not be more excited to continue our tradition of excellence when hosting these tournaments.”
Also of note, the women’s tournament will be moving from Municipal Auditorium to T-Mobile Center and will be played the week prior to the men’s tournament.
