Why didn’t the Big 12 remove glass floor after complaints from women’s players?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Big 12 installed LED court for branding and data; players reported slickness.
- Women’s players raised concerns first but conference delayed action until men’s injury.
- Public and media flagged perceived double standard; league replaced floor after backlash.
When the Big 12 Conference announced it would be using an LED floor for the men’s and women’s tournaments at the T-Mobile Center, the league assured there would be no issues.
“It enables real-time branding, in-game activations, and data-driven visuals that seamlessly adapt across basketball and other sports without compromising performance, durability, or student-athlete safety,” the conference said in news release.
But when the games began in the women’s tournament, players noted a difference in the court.
Kansas guard Elle Evans told reporters: “I will say it was a little slick in some areas. But we kind of got used to it.”
“I was sliding a little bit,” BYU forward Brinley Cannon noted. “It’s really cool looking, but it definitely is a little bit of a different feel you have to get used to.”
Men’s players noted a difference too, and the Big 12 took action.
The league announced Thursday night it would be removing the court and go back to the traditional wood. The decision came hours after Texas Tech star Christian Anderson slipped against Iowa State and suffered a groin injury.
Many people wondered why the Big 12 took out the LED court only after players and coaches on the men’s teams voiced concerns.
Iowa State’s Addy Brown shared this message on X: “Interesting.”
Others made it clear they weren’t happy with the timing.
“The women of the Big 12 who played the weekend before on this fancy new court (without the fancy graphics the men got) raised similar complaints and NO ONE CARED,” CBS News correspondent Jan Crawford wrote on X.
Another fan wrote: “The Big 12 Women had the same criticism but were forced to play through it!! Disgusting double standard!!”
“I believe the big 12 women complained about this court as well,” a fan said on X. “Fascinating they had to play the whole tournament on this court. Didn’t believe the women. Shock”
An Iowa State fan wrote: “The women basketball players from various other Big 12 teams voiced the same concerns.”
“Insane double standards,” another fan said. “It was horrid to watch how that floor was impacting players during the women’s tournament.”
Here are a few more responses from fans who wondered why Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark didn’t make the change when the women played.
This story was originally published March 13, 2026 at 9:30 AM.
