KANSAS CITY — Oklahoma State and Cincinnati kicked off the Big 12 men's basketball tournament with their game on Tuesday morning.
An hour before tipoff, Big 12 commissioner, Brett Yormark, held a press conference where he discussed the tournament, potential expansion, and the state of college basketball.
What's new in the 2025 Big 12 men's basketball tournament?
To start off the press conference, Yormark made sure the country knew just how good the Big 12 is.
"We are the best men's basketball conference in America. No doubt about it," Yormark said.
In its first season with 16 teams, the Big 12 and Yormark has had their fair share of difficulties.
"I have a harder job now," Yormark said. "I love the composition of our conference for all the right reasons. Does it present challenges from time to time with student-athletes, travel, etc.? Yes."
If you could believe it: Big 12 hoops gets even better in the postseason.#Big12MBB | @Phillips66Gas pic.twitter.com/zjrTsqGOpS
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) March 11, 2025
This year, the T-Mobile Center features a court that got criticism from television viewers watching the women's tournament last week. The all gray, white, and black court was a unique look to say the least.
"That court is not about me, it's about the student athletes," Yormark said.
Yormark noted that many of the athletes that have played on it have loved playing on the innovative design.
NCAA Tournament Expansion
In recent years, the idea that the NCAA Tournament should expand from its current 68-team format is picking up more and more steam. Yormark seems to love the idea.
"I'm in favor of expansion to 76," Yormark said.
Not only does he believe this could work, he believes that discussions and decisions could be made in the next 60 to 90 days on whether or not to expand.
As far as a potential Big 12 expansion, Yormark says it's "not on his radar," at the moment, but understands that the NCAA is never stagnant. Expansion talks could pop up anywhere at anytime.
Staying in Kansas City
Last year, the Big 12 and Kansas City made an agreement to keep the tournament in KC until 2031.
Yormark said he "fell in love" with the city during his first tournament in 2023 and believes that the four new additions to the tournament will learn to love the venue as well.
Kansas City is one of 16 cities in North America that will host the FIFA World Cup in 2026, is placing a bid on the Rugby World cup in 2033, and will continue to host the Big 12 tournament for six more seasons.