Big 12 Announces Date For Kansas vs. Houston Basketball Game in Mexico
The Big 12 Conference announced its date for the Mexico basketball game between the Kansas Jayhawks and Houston Cougars.
The announcement came on the same day the Jayhawks and Cougars played on Saturday in Allen Fieldhouse. The Big 12 showdown will take place on Saturday, December 14th. This is will be the Saturday following the Big 12 Football Championship Game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The original announcement of the match up, without the date, came back in June of 2023. The first-ever event will feature a men’s and women’s basketball matchup between the two schools, held in Mexico City at Arena CDMX in December of 2024.
After the launch of Big 12 basketball in Mexico, women’s soccer and baseball teams will participate in exhibitions against clubs from the region.
“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,” said Commissioner Brett Yormark. “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.”
To help build awareness and fandom in the area, FOX and ESPN plan to help seed the Big 12 product across Mexico and Spanish-speaking communities through their ESPN Deportes (U.S – based), ESPN Mexico and ESPN on Star+ (Mexico – based channels and OTT service) and FOX Deportes (U.S. – based) channels, which will air select Big 12 football and basketball games.
The conference will also look to secure its first Spanish radio broadcasts for Big 12 Football and Basketball Championships in 2023-24 as part of a “robust Mexico digital strategy.”
The Big 12 Conference will team up with Mexico City-based live entertainment agency Zignia as a co-promotional partner. Zignia will support with marketing and sales of Big 12 Mexico events, as well as provide the Conference with their depth of resources. Additionally, On Location, an Endeavor-owned company, will assist with all school travel and VIP packages, while Endeavor will assist the Conference in all facets of its international digital strategy. The Big 12 Business Advisory Board will also continue to provide key insights and counsel as the Conference grows its presence in Mexico.
As for the game on Saturday, the Kansas Jayhawks beat the Houston Cougars 78-65 to snap UH’s five-game winning streak in Big 12 play.
