The Big 12 has unveiled its men’s basketball schedule for 2026. This season features an 18-game conference lineup. Each team will play three home-and-home series with selected opponents while competing against the remaining 12 teams just once. Six games will take place at home, and six on the road.
The conference kicks off on January 2 with West Virginia facing Iowa State. The other teams will begin their games on January 3. The regular season wraps up on March 7, leading to the Big 12 Tournament at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City from March 10 to March 14. Specific game times and TV broadcasts will be revealed later.
Notably, last season was impressive for the Big 12. Four teams made it to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament, with Texas Tech reaching the Elite 8 and Houston becoming a national finalist. In fact, the Big 12 boasted the best winning percentage in the NCAA Tournament, having seven teams selected for the event.
The season will start with non-conference games on November 3, setting the stage for an exciting year ahead.
Key Insights
Expert Opinion: Many sports analysts believe that the Big 12’s structure allows for balanced competitiveness. This can lead to thrilling matchups and excitement for fans.
Recent Data: According to a 2025 survey, over 60% of college basketball fans anticipated a more competitive season, especially given last year’s strong performance by Big 12 teams.
Historical Context: Comparing this upcoming season to previous years, the Big 12 has shown remarkable growth. Less than a decade ago, the conference struggled with inconsistent performance in the NCAA Tournament.
As the season unfolds, team rivalries, standout players, and fan engagement will see increased interest, especially across social media. Fans are already buzzing about potential matchups, with discussions trending on platforms like Twitter.
For more information on the Big 12 tournament history, you can check out NCAA’s official site.
