Big 12 conference basketball tournaments staying in Kansas City until at least 2027
The Big 12 isn’t moving its men’s or women’s basketball tournaments away from Kansas City anytime soon.
Conference leaders announced on Friday that they approved a two-year extension on their multi-year agreement with Kansas City, which means the league will continue crowning its tournament champions in downtown KC until at least 2027.
“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.”
The women’s tournament has traditionally been held at Municipal Auditorium while the men’s championship was held down the street at T-Mobile Center, with games going on at the same time inside both venues.
But T-Mobile Center will begin hosting both events starting in 2024, with the women playing one week ahead of the men.
In other words, Kansas City will host 10 straight days of hoops.
It could be interesting to see if the Big 12 considers alternate locations or its basketball tournaments after new members BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF join in the near future. But league commissioner Bob Bowlsby has never wavered on his support of keeping the event in Kansas City, where attendance is always strong with fans from Kansas, K-State and Iowa State flocking to the arena for games.
“Kansas City has been a valued partner, showcasing a true dedication to making these tournaments the best postseason basketball event in the country,” Bowlsby said. “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.”
This story was originally published June 3, 2022 at 11:28 AM with the headline "Big 12 conference basketball tournaments staying in Kansas City until at least 2027."