For the last several days, fans have been speculating as to what exactly the Big 12 was going to announce following commissioner Brett Yormark’s “enhancements” to the Big 12 Tournament he teased last week. The clip went viral on social media and took on a life of its own. Fans were speculating, we had some fun speculating at Heartland College Sports, and then, fuel was added to the fire when the Big 12 Today radio team referred to it as a “gamechanger”.
I’m here to state the obvious about their plans to have a glass floor during the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments next month: Nothing about this was a big deal. At least not for the regular fans. And if it is, the Big 12’s initial news release doesn’t do a very good job of explaining why.
The Big 12’s Case
The Big 12’s press release highlights that throughout both Tournaments, the court will be used to highlight new partnership opportunities, elevate fan engagement and enhance in-game entertainment. During each matchup, visual effects displayed on the court could include:
- Immersive animations following key plays and moments
- Dynamic court designs
- Shot charts
- Interactive games for fans during timeouts
Now, I will be at the women’s and men’s tournament next month. I will be taking my daughter to the women’s tournament, so if these are major in-game entertainment enhancements for fans, adults and children, alike, I’ll report back, and willingly fall on the sword. But, if that’s the case, these vague references to “interactive games during timeouts” is not the thing that makes casual fans rush to buy tickets, while making die-hard fans say, “OK… and…?”
Also of note, this may be a big deal for the league, so it can rotate sponsors on and around the court, and make more money for the conference. That’s all well and good, and ultimately, the league is about growing revenues. But does that matter to the fans? Unless it means discounted ticket prices as a result (I can hear you laughing), then no.
Big 12 Coaches Empty Words
Kansas head coach Bill Self said in his statement, “I’m excited about it. I’m an old school guy, but this has me thinking of new school ways, and from what I’ve seen and heard, this is the wave of the future. I think it’ll be great.”
Why is it great? What about it is great? Why are you excited? What about these “new school ways” are beneficial to KU basketball or its fans? There’s nothing of substance here from Bill Self.
Baylor women’s coach Nicki Collen said, “Our team had the opportunity to practice on it back in November, and it was an incredible experience for our players. The court is not only visually impressive, but it plays well and represents where our sport is headed.”
Why was it incredible? What about it is incredible? What does any of that mean for the average fan? And why is the sport headed this way?
They’re nice words, but neither quote does a good job actually explaining the obvious: Why should the Big 12 fans care? What’s in it for THEM?
The Hype Got Out of Hand
Now in fairness, this whole thing took on a life of its own over the last few days. Yormark’s job, in part, is to promote the conference, and part of marketing is making everything a big deal. And he probably didn’t think his off-the-cuff comments on a Peacock broadcast was going to take off the way it did.
Had Yormark’s comments not been blown out of proportion on social media, we all collectively shrug at this news and say, “OK, that’s kind of cool, I guess.”
But between social media lighting a fire and bringing more attention to the comments, along with rampant speculation, and insider comments doubling-down on the hype, this tease got larger than life. Now, I admit, I didn’t think it was going to be anything over the top, as some suggested. But I admit, I thought it was going to be bigger than this.
So now, we’ll wait and see what it actually means for the fans. I’ll reserve further judgement until I experience it, but my initial reaction is underwhelming. And my two cents of advice if you’re going to be a T-Mobile Center next month in Kansas City: Bring a pair of polarized glasses, just to be safe.
