Get ready for a basketball extravaganza like no other! The Big 12 Conference is pulling out all the stops for the 2025 Big 12 Basketball Media Days, presented by New Era, and trust us, you won’t want to miss this. But here’s where it gets exciting: this year’s event, held at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, is packed with game-changing enhancements that promise to elevate the experience for everyone involved. From star players to die-hard fans, there’s something for everyone—and this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about basketball; it’s about celebrating the culture, style, and community that make the Big 12 so unique.
What’s New This Year?
First up, New Era isn’t just sponsoring the event—they’re making it unforgettable. As the presenting sponsor, they’ll be gifting all attendees with exclusive co-branded media swag. Talk about a slam dunk! But that’s not all. For the women’s day, the Sports Illustrated Swim Beauty Bar will offer student-athletes and coaches professional hair and makeup touch-ups, ensuring they look and feel their best. Is this a step forward for inclusivity in sports, or a controversial focus on appearance? We’ll let you decide in the comments.
Next, all five of the Big 12’s television partners—ESPN, FOX, CBS, TNT, and NBC—will be on-site, capturing the electric energy of Big 12 basketball. And for the digital-savvy fans, Bleacher Report, Lethal Shooter, PassThaBall, and Olivia Petnick will provide behind-the-scenes coverage, including a new shooting skills challenge featuring Big 12 student-athletes. Who do you think will dominate the challenge?
The Big 12 Arrival Walk is another showstopper—a black-carpet entrance where players and coaches can showcase their personal style. It’s a bold move that blurs the line between sports and entertainment. Does this take the focus away from the game, or is it a refreshing way to celebrate individuality? Let’s debate!
And for the first time ever, the Kid Commissioner, in partnership with Children’s Mercy, will help welcome Commissioner Brett Yormark during his address. It’s a heartwarming addition that highlights the league’s commitment to community and future generations.
Broadcast Details You Need to Know
Mark your calendars! Coverage on the main set will air on ESPNU and ESPN+ from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. CT each day. The women’s day on Tuesday, Oct. 21, will be hosted by Matt Schick, Brooke Weisbrod, Anne O’Neil, and Rachel Galligan, while the men’s day on Wednesday, Oct. 22, will feature Schick, Fran Fraschilla, Sean Farnham, and Chancellor Johnson. Commissioner Brett Yormark will speak at 12:10 p.m. CT on Tuesday, with Q&A sessions moderated by Missy Heidrick and Mike O’Donnell for the women’s and men’s days, respectively. TuneIn Radio will also be on-site, recording interviews with coaches and student-athletes that will air throughout the season.
Big 12 Basketball: A Legacy of Excellence
Let’s not forget why the Big 12 is a force to be reckoned with. The 2024-25 women’s basketball season marked a historic milestone: for the first time since 2010, at least five Big 12 teams finished the season ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 Poll for consecutive seasons. The league has sent multiple teams to the Sweet 16 in four of the last five NCAA tournaments, solidifying its reputation as a powerhouse.
On the men’s side, the 2025 NCAA Tournament saw four Big 12 teams reach the Sweet 16, with Texas Tech advancing to the Elite 8 and Houston finishing as a National Finalist. With seven teams selected for the tournament, the Big 12 boasted the nation’s best winning percentage. Is the Big 12 the most dominant conference in college basketball? Share your thoughts below!
Meet the Stars of the Show
Below is the full list of attending players, subject to change. Each school’s head coach will also be in attendance, making this a true gathering of the brightest minds and talents in college basketball.
Women's Players - Tuesday, Oct. 21
- Arizona: Noelani Cornfield, Mickayla Perdue, Sumayah Sugapong
- Arizona State: McKinna Brackens, Gabby Elliott, Last-Tear Poa
- Baylor: Bella Fontleroy, Jana Van Gytenbeek, Darianna Littlepage-Buggs
- BYU: Brinley Cannon, Delaney Gibb, Hattie Ogden
- UCF: Mahogany Chandler-Roberts, Leah Harmon, Khyalia Ngodu
- Cincinnati: Reagan Jackson, Mya Perry, Destiny Thomas
- Colorado: Jade Masogayo, Kennedy Sanders
- Houston: Amirah Abdur-Rahim, Kierra Merchant, TK Pitts
- Iowa State: Addy Brown, Audi Crooks, Jada Williams
- Kansas: Jaliya Davis, Elle Evans, S’Mya Nichols
- K-State: Izela Arenas, Nastja Claessens, Taryn Sides
- Oklahoma State: Micah Gray, Stailee Heard, Amari Whiting
- TCU: Olivia Miles, Maddie Scherr, Marta Suarez
- Texas Tech: Jalynn Bristow, Denae Fritz, Bailey Maupin
- Utah: Lani White, Maty Wilke
- West Virginia: Jordan Harrison, Sydney Shaw, Kierra Wheeler
Men's Players - Wednesday, Oct. 22
- Arizona: Tobe Awaka, Jaden Bradley, Koa Peat
- Arizona State: Noah Meeusen, Maurice Odum
- Baylor: Obi Agbim, Dan Skillings Jr., Tounde Yessoufou
- BYU: AJ Dybantsa, Richie Saunders, Robert Wright III
- UCF: Devan Cambridge, Themus Fulks, Riley Kugel
- Cincinnati: Kerr Kriisa, Moustapha Thiam, DayDay Thomas
- Colorado: Bangot Dak, Sebastian Rancik
- Houston: Emanuel Sharp, Milos Uzan, Ramon Walker Jr.
- Iowa State: Joshua Jefferson, Tamin Lipsey, Milan Momcilovic
- Kansas: Flory Bidunga, Darryn Peterson, Tre White
- K-State: Abdi Bashir Jr., PJ Haggerty, Mobi Ikegwuruka
- Oklahoma State: Parsa Fallah, Robert Jennings II
- TCU: Brock Harding, Jayden Pierre
- Texas Tech: Christian Anderson, JT Toppin
- Utah: Keanu Dawes, James Okonkwo
- West Virginia: Jasper Floyd, Honor Huff, Brenen Lorient
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Big 12 Basketball Media Days is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of talent, innovation, and community. But here’s the real question: With all these enhancements, is the Big 12 setting a new standard for college basketball events, or is it overcomplicating a tradition? We want to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s keep the conversation going.
