Big 12 Conference announces delay on initiative to play games in Mexico, new target date

The Big 12 announced a delay in Big 12 Mexico, the conference’s plan to play baseball, basketball and soccer games in the country.

“Today, the Big 12 announced it will delay the launch of Big 12 Mexico, with a new target date of 2024,” the statement read. “Since Big 12 Mexico was announced, a variety of major initiatives have been added to the conference’s agenda – headlined by the onboarding of four new member institutions.

“The Big 12 will continue to build its brand in Mexico through its broadcast partners and remains enthusiastic about bringing the Big 12 to Mexico.”

The international initiative would hold sporting events in Mexico and include men’s and women’s basketball and soccer along with baseball games, and their first contest will be a men’s and women’s basketball matchup between Kansas and Houston at Arena CDMX in Mexico City originally scheduled for December of 2024. 

“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,” Commissioner Brett Yormark said. “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.”

ESPN and FOX Sports were supposed aid the Big 12 leading up to their launch, sending the conference product across Mexico and Spanish-speaking communities by airing select football and basketball games on their Mexican and Spanish-speaking networks.

The conference was also exploring possibly airing Spanish radio broadcasts for the next Big 12 Football and Basketball Championship games for the very first time.

Additionally, the conference also revealed that they would explore the possibility of establishing a football bowl game in Monterrey starting in 2026, which would make history as the first bowl game ever to be held in Mexico.

College football could join college basketball’s efforts in expanding south of the United States border. Two of which are already slated for December 2024. The bowl game, on the other hand, would be held in Monterrey, Mexico beginning during the 2026 postseason.

“The Big 12 is exploring starting a bowl game in Mexico in the postseason of 2026, with the site targeted to be Monterrey. The league will also hold a regular season game w/Houston and Kansas in Mexico City in 2024 in men’s and women’s basketball,” ESPN’s Pete Thamel wrote on Twitter.

Kaiden Smith contributed to this story