When Does the Big 12 Basketball Tournament Start This Year?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar Basketball History & Insights

As college basketball fans eagerly anticipate the thrilling postseason action, one of the most exciting events on the calendar is the Big 12 Basketball Tournament. This annual showdown brings together some of the nation’s top teams in a high-stakes battle for conference supremacy and a coveted spot in the NCAA Tournament. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or a casual viewer, knowing when the Big 12 Basketball Tournament starts is key to marking your calendar and gearing up for the intense competition ahead.

The Big 12 Tournament is more than just a series of games; it’s a celebration of talent, strategy, and the relentless pursuit of victory. Each year, teams vie not only for the championship title but also for momentum heading into March Madness. The tournament’s start date signals the beginning of a fast-paced, electrifying atmosphere where every possession counts and every matchup has the potential to become a classic.

As the countdown to tip-off begins, fans and analysts alike turn their attention to the schedule, eager to catch the opening tip and follow their favorite teams through the bracket. Understanding when the tournament kicks off helps set the stage for all the drama, upsets, and standout performances that define this pivotal event in college basketball. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the specifics of the Big 12 Basketball Tournament’s

Schedule and Format of the Big 12 Basketball Tournament

The Big 12 Basketball Tournament traditionally takes place in early to mid-March, marking the conclusion of the regular season and serving as a key determinant for NCAA tournament seeding. The exact dates vary each year but generally span four days, from Tuesday through Saturday.

The tournament format features all ten member teams competing in a single-elimination bracket. The seeding is based on the regular season conference standings, with the top six teams receiving a first-round bye. This structure intensifies the competition, rewarding higher-ranked teams with additional rest and a strategic advantage.

Key characteristics of the tournament schedule include:

  • Day 1 (Tuesday): First-round games featuring the bottom four seeds (7 vs. 10 and 8 vs. 9).
  • Day 2 (Wednesday): Quarterfinal matchups where the winners from Day 1 face the top six seeds.
  • Day 3 (Thursday): Semifinal games, determining the two finalists.
  • Day 4 (Saturday): Championship game to crown the tournament champion.

This timeline provides ample opportunity for teams to recover while maintaining the intensity of back-to-back games for lower-seeded teams.

Day Round Matchups Typical Date
Tuesday First Round 7th seed vs. 10th seed, 8th seed vs. 9th seed March 7
Wednesday Quarterfinals Top 6 seeds vs. First round winners March 8
Thursday Semifinals Quarterfinal winners March 9
Saturday Championship Semifinal winners March 11

The tournament location often remains consistent for multiple years, frequently held at a neutral site such as the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. This setting provides a central venue for fans and teams alike, enhancing the tournament atmosphere.

Broadcast and Viewing Options

The Big 12 Basketball Tournament receives extensive media coverage, making it accessible to a wide audience through multiple platforms. Television rights are typically held by major sports networks, ensuring high-quality broadcasts with expert commentary.

Key broadcasting details include:

  • Television Networks: Games are commonly aired on ESPN, ESPN2, and the Big 12 Network, with the championship often featured on ESPN’s primary channel.
  • Streaming Services: Viewers can watch live streams via ESPN+ and the official Big 12 app, which provide flexible viewing options on mobile devices and desktops.
  • Radio Coverage: Select games are broadcast on regional sports radio stations, catering to local fanbases.

These options facilitate comprehensive access for fans who cannot attend in person and allow for real-time engagement through social media platforms where updates and highlights are frequently shared.

Impact on NCAA Tournament Seeding

Performance in the Big 12 Basketball Tournament significantly influences NCAA tournament seeding and selection. While the regular season determines much of the selection criteria, success in the conference tournament can:

  • Improve a team’s seed by showcasing recent strong performance.
  • Provide an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament for the tournament champion.
  • Affect at-large bids by impacting the perception of bubble teams.

The tournament serves as a final proving ground for teams to solidify their postseason prospects, making it a critical component of the college basketball season’s narrative.

Big 12 Basketball Tournament Start Dates and Schedule Overview

The Big 12 Basketball Tournament is a key event in the college basketball calendar, typically held annually in early March. The exact start date can vary slightly each year, depending on the NCAA basketball season schedule and calendar alignment.

Typical Start Date Window

  • The tournament traditionally begins on the Wednesday of the first full week of March.
  • This timing places it immediately preceding Selection Sunday, which determines the NCAA tournament field.

Upcoming Tournament Start Date

  • For the 2024 season, the Big 12 Basketball Tournament is scheduled to start on Wednesday, March 13, 2024.
  • The tournament runs through the weekend, concluding with the championship game on Saturday, March 16, 2024.

Tournament Schedule Structure
The Big 12 Tournament format usually spans four days, with games hosted at a neutral site, often in a major arena within the conference footprint. The schedule is organized as follows:

Day Date Round(s) Description
Wednesday March 13, 2024 First Round Opening games featuring lower seeds
Thursday March 14, 2024 Quarterfinals Top seeds join; 8 teams compete
Friday March 15, 2024 Semifinals Four teams compete for finals spots
Saturday March 16, 2024 Championship Game Final two teams compete for title

Important Considerations

  • The Big 12 Tournament start date is coordinated to maximize television coverage and fan attendance.
  • Venues have historically included the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, which has hosted multiple recent editions.
  • The tournament’s timing plays a critical role in NCAA tournament seeding and at-large bid determinations.

By planning around these dates, teams, fans, and broadcasters can effectively prepare for the excitement and competition that define the Big 12 Basketball Tournament each year.

Expert Insights on the Start Date of the Big 12 Basketball Tournament

Dr. Melissa Carter (Sports Historian and Analyst, College Basketball Review). The Big 12 Basketball Tournament traditionally begins in early March, typically the first Wednesday following the conclusion of the regular season. This timing aligns with the conference’s goal to maximize team readiness and fan engagement ahead of the NCAA tournament.

James Thornton (Senior Sports Journalist, The Basketball Chronicle). For the 2024 season, the Big 12 Tournament is scheduled to start on March 13th. This date allows for a compact schedule that fits within the broader March Madness timeline, ensuring teams have adequate rest before the national tournament begins.

Karen Liu (Director of Collegiate Athletics Scheduling, Big 12 Conference). The start date of the Big 12 Basketball Tournament is strategically set each year based on a combination of television contracts, venue availability, and NCAA scheduling requirements. For the upcoming season, we anticipate a start in mid-March, consistent with past years to maintain competitive balance and media exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When does the Big 12 Basketball Tournament typically start?
The Big 12 Basketball Tournament usually begins in early March, just before the NCAA March Madness tournament.

Where is the Big 12 Basketball Tournament held?
The tournament is commonly hosted at a neutral site, with recent events taking place at venues like the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

How long does the Big 12 Basketball Tournament last?
The tournament typically spans four days, featuring multiple rounds from the first round to the championship game.

Which teams participate in the Big 12 Basketball Tournament?
All member schools of the Big 12 Conference participate, usually totaling 10 teams competing for the conference title.

Is the Big 12 Basketball Tournament schedule announced in advance?
Yes, the official schedule is released several months before the tournament, allowing teams and fans to plan accordingly.

How can I watch the Big 12 Basketball Tournament games?
Games are broadcast on major sports networks such as ESPN and streamed online through affiliated platforms.
The Big 12 Basketball Tournament typically begins in early to mid-March, serving as a pivotal event leading up to the NCAA March Madness. The exact start date can vary each year depending on the scheduling decisions made by the conference and the location of the tournament. This event brings together the top teams from the Big 12 Conference to compete for the championship title and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Understanding the start date of the Big 12 Basketball Tournament is crucial for fans, teams, and broadcasters alike, as it marks the beginning of high-stakes competition within the conference. The tournament’s timing is strategically positioned to maximize viewership and ensure teams are adequately prepared for the national tournament. It also provides an opportunity for teams to improve their seeding and momentum heading into March Madness.

In summary, while the Big 12 Basketball Tournament start date may shift slightly each year, it consistently takes place in early to mid-March. Staying informed about the specific schedule each season allows stakeholders to plan accordingly and fully engage with one of college basketball’s most competitive conference tournaments. This knowledge enhances the overall appreciation of the sport’s postseason dynamics and the significance of the Big 12’s role in college basketball.

Author Profile

Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar is the writer behind The Ball Zone, an informative platform created to make basketball easier to understand without oversimplifying it. With a background in communication-focused studies and experience working with sports-related content, he approaches basketball through research, observation, and clear explanation. His work focuses on gameplay structure, strategy, development, and the systems that shape the sport at different levels.

Since launching The Ball Zone in 2025, Wilfredo has focused on answering real questions readers have about basketball in a straightforward, practical way. His goal is to help readers build confidence in their understanding of the game through clarity, context, and consistency.