KU basketball confirms Jayhawks will play Big 12 opponent in Mexico in 2024: Details
The Kansas Jayhawks men’s and women’s basketball teams will play Big 12 newcomer Houston in regular-season games at Mexico City at Arena CDMX in December 2024, KU Athletics announced Thursday.
“Behind Commissioner (Brett) Yormark, the Big 12 is doing a lot to expand the conference brand, and one way they are doing this is by playing a game in Mexico City,” coach Bill Self said in the release. “Kelvin (Sampson) has built Houston back to a national power and this should be a great matchup. We’re excited to play a game in Mexico City and represent the Big 12.”
KU women’s basketball coach Brandon Schneider shared a similar sentiment
“Basketball is a global game and I commend Commissioner Yormark and the Big 12 for expanding the league’s reach into Mexico,” said Schneider. “We look forward to the challenge of competing against Houston and playing the game in Mexico City. This will provide great exposure for our program and our conference.”
After the Big 12 basketball games in Mexico, both Big 12 women’s soccer and baseball will participate in exhibitions against clubs from Mexico.
The conference is exploring the prospects of starting a bowl game in Monterrey, Mexico. The bowl would be just the second postseason bowl currently held outside the United States. The Bahamas Bowl in Nassau is the other.
“Mexico is a natural extension to the Big 12 footprint, and I’m thrilled to introduce Big 12 Mexico as the conference’s first-ever international presence,” said Yormark. “Through Big 12 Mexico, our student-athletes will have the opportunity to compete in an international setting, and our Conference will have the chance to showcase our brand across Mexico.”
Before the games occur, Fox and ESPN will broadcast Big 12 games in Spanish through ESPN Deportes and Fox Deportes, as well as on ESPN Mexico, which will air select Big 12 football and basketball games.
Additionally, the Big 12 will try to secure Spanish radio broadcasts for the Big 12 football and basketball Championships in 2023-24 and beyond.
Beyond hosting the game itself, the Big 12 said it hopes to execute a variety of community and commercial partnerships, as well as offer related merchandise. That includes the Big 12 partnering with notable musicians and artists and launching an influencer marketing campaign in the region.
This story was originally published June 7, 2023 at 11:28 PM.
