Where fans fuel champions.
Simple. Secure. Direct.
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Where fans fuel champions.
Simple. Secure. Direct.
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Where fans fuel champions.
Simple. Secure. Direct.
Where fans fuel champions.
Simple. Secure. Direct.
36 Schools•Division I•Est. 1994
The Big 12 Conference is the newest Power Four conference, founded in 1994 by merging all eight members of the former Big Eight with four schools from the Southwest Conference. Teams began conference play in 1996. The conference has expanded rapidly: BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF joined in 2023-24, followed by Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah in 2024-25, bringing the Big 12 to 16 members across 10 states and four time zones. Those 16 members are Arizona, Arizona State, Baylor, BYU, Cincinnati, Colorado, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas Tech, UCF, Utah and West Virginia. The conference sponsors 25 sports — 10 for men and 15 for women — and has produced 92 NCAA team national championships, failing to win at least one title in only two seasons of its existence. The most recent champion was Oklahoma State men's cross country in 2025. Kansas has dominated Big 12 basketball, winning or sharing the regular-season title 20 times in 25 conference seasons, including 13 straight from 2004-05 through 2016-17. In football, Texas Tech won the 2025 Big 12 Championship Game 34-7 over BYU — the Red Raiders' first conference title. Five schools have reached the CFP: Oklahoma (four times), TCU, Texas, Arizona State and Texas Tech. The Big 12's media deal — a 2022 renewal with ESPN and Fox Sports worth approximately $380 million annually — yields about $31.7 million per school, among the highest payouts in college sports. In July 2025, the conference signed a $100 million, three-year NIL partnership with PayPal, designating it the official payment platform for Big 12 student-athletes. Under House v. NCAA, schools can distribute up to $20.5 million annually directly to athletes.
Official Website
The Big 12 Conference is the newest Power Four conference, founded in 1994 by merging all eight members of the former Big Eight with four schools from the Southwest Conference. Teams began conference play in 1996. The conference has expanded rapidly: BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF joined in 2023-24, followed by Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah in 2024-25, bringing the Big 12 to 16 members across 10 states and four time zones. Those 16 members are Arizona, Arizona State, Baylor, BYU, Cincinnati, Colorado, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas Tech, UCF, Utah and West Virginia. The conference sponsors 25 sports — 10 for men and 15 for women — and has produced 92 NCAA team national championships, failing to win at least one title in only two seasons of its existence. The most recent champion was Oklahoma State men's cross country in 2025. Kansas has dominated Big 12 basketball, winning or sharing the regular-season title 20 times in 25 conference seasons, including 13 straight from 2004-05 through 2016-17. In football, Texas Tech won the 2025 Big 12 Championship Game 34-7 over BYU — the Red Raiders' first conference title. Five schools have reached the CFP: Oklahoma (four times), TCU, Texas, Arizona State and Texas Tech. The Big 12's media deal — a 2022 renewal with ESPN and Fox Sports worth approximately $380 million annually — yields about $31.7 million per school, among the highest payouts in college sports. In July 2025, the conference signed a $100 million, three-year NIL partnership with PayPal, designating it the official payment platform for Big 12 student-athletes. Under House v. NCAA, schools can distribute up to $20.5 million annually directly to athletes.
Official Website
The Big 12 Conference has made a significant mark in college basketball, with its competition structure fostering intense rivalries and showcasing top-tier talent. As the conference heads into another season, member schools like Kansas, Baylor, and Texas Tech are preparing for a competitive landscape that has historically produced remarkable results and fan engagement.
During the regular season, Big 12 basketball teams engage in a round-robin format, where each member competes against every other school in the conference. This setup not only emphasizes the importance of each matchup but also allows teams to establish their standings based on performance over the course of the season. With 16 teams in the mix, each game carries weight, as the competition can be fierce, and outcomes can significantly affect potential postseason positioning.
The scheduling of Big 12 basketball is designed to maximize visibility and engagement. Games typically occur in the evenings and are strategically placed throughout the week, allowing fans and students ample opportunity to attend. This structure also aims to capitalize on broadcast windows, making the conference games appealing to national audiences, especially during peak viewing times. The synergy between schools and broadcast partners enhances the visibility of Big 12 basketball, which is essential for building team brands and fan bases.
The Big 12 Championship, held annually, showcases the league's best teams in a knockout format. This event not only crowns the conference champion but also plays a pivotal role in NCAA Tournament selections. With teams like Kansas having a storied history of success, the stakes are high, and the championship often serves as a precursor to deeper runs in the NCAA Tournament.
As the season unfolds, Big 12 basketball continues to be a hotbed of competition, with each game contributing to the narrative of the year. The blend of traditional rivalries, emerging talents, and the quest for championships ensures that this type sport remains at the forefront of college athletics within the Big 12 Conference.