The Big 12 Conference is bringing a new look and new technology to Kansas City this March.
The conference and ASB GlassFloor announced the introduction of a full LED video sports floor that will debut at the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments at T-Mobile Center. The tournaments will mark the first time ASB GlassFloor’s LED court technology is used for official competition in the United States.
The next-generation floor functions like a traditional hardwood court but features integrated LED panels beneath the surface. The technology allows for dynamic digital graphics, real-time branding, interactive elements and data-driven visuals designed to enhance both the in-arena and broadcast experience.
The surface has already been tested at high-profile events, including NBA All-Star 2024, EuroLeague games and FIBA-sanctioned competitions.
“Our goal at the Big 12 is simple: keep raising the bar,” Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark said. “Elevating our league’s profile and adding real value to our programs requires a willingness to push boundaries. Last year, the introduction of the XII pattern on our tournament court did exactly that, and this year we’re taking the next step with ASB GlassFloor. This technology represents the future and bringing it to our basketball tournaments reinforces our commitment to innovation, positioning the Big 12 as a different league and national leader in elevating the game.”
ASB officials say the court meets performance and safety standards expected of traditional playing surfaces while opening new opportunities for fan engagement and revenue generation.
“This partnership with the Big 12 is a major milestone for ASB GlassFloor and for basketball in the United States,” said Chris Thornton, CEO of ASB GlassFloor America. “ASB GlassFloor is engineered to enhance athlete safety while delivering the elite performance standards players demand. Through ASB Arena and Event Services (AES) we’re helping teams and conferences unlock new revenue generation and fan engagement. The Big 12 is setting the standard for innovation, making them the perfect partner to bring this platform to elite competition and shape the future of college sports.”
Coaches who have already tested the surface say the court feels natural while adding a modern element to the game.
“We are thrilled that the Big 12 is partnering with ASB GlassFloor for the Conference Tournament,” Baylor women’s head 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. To be a part of this kind of future driven momentum in collegiate athletics is special, and I am thankful to Commissioner Yormark and the Big 12 Conference for pushing our league forward and embracing bold ideas to elevate the game. All eyes will be on Kansas City, and the visibility it brings to our league is something to look forward to.”
Kansas men’s coach Bill Self echoed that sentiment.
“Since Commissioner Yormark has been in charge of our league, there have been many new initiatives and developments to promote and elevate the Big 12, and I believe playing on the glass floor is something that will receive great interest,” Self said. “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.”
The LED court will debut at the women’s tournament beginning Wednesday, March 4, and will also be used for the men’s tournament starting Tuesday, March 10.
Features throughout the tournaments may include dynamic court designs, live shot charts, interactive fan games during timeouts and animations following key plays.
The women’s tournament runs March 4 through March 8 or 9, with the men’s tournament set for March 10 through March 14. Games will be broadcast across ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU and ESPN+.
Additional enhancements for the tournaments will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets and information are available at big12sports.com.
