Courtesy of Kansas Athletics
IRVING, Texas – Today, the Big 12 Conference announced the launch of Big 12 Mexico, the Conference’s first international extension that will see Big 12 men’s and women’s basketball, women’s soccer and baseball games held in Mexico with the Kansas Jayhawks being at the forefront of the innovative initiative.
Big 12 Mexico’s first contest will be a men’s and women’s basketball matchup between Kansas and Houston, held in Mexico City at Arena CDMX in 2024. Following the launch of Big 12 basketball in Mexico, Big 12 women’s soccer and baseball will participate in exhibitions against clubs from the region.
Additionally, the Big 12 will explore establishing a football bowl game in Monterrey, starting in 2026. This would be the first bowl game ever held in Mexico.
“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.”
Kansas Men’s and Women’s Basketball will travel to Mexico City in December of 2024 to participate in their respective matchups against Houston.
“Behind Commissioner (Brett) Yormark, the Big 12 is doing a lot to expand the conference brand, and one way they are doing this is by playing a game in Mexico City. Kelvin (Sampson) has built Houston back to a national power and this should be a great matchup. We’re excited to play a game in Mexico City and represent the Big 12.”
KANSAS MEN’S BASKETBALL COACH BILL SELF
“Basketball is a global game and I commend Commissioner Yormark and the Big 12 for expanding the league’s reach into Mexico. We look forward to the challenge of competing against Houston and playing the game in Mexico City. This will provide great exposure for our program and our conference.”
KANSAS WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACH BRANDON SCHNEIDER
Leading up to the launch of Big 12 Mexico and throughout 2023, Fox and ESPN will help seed the Big 12 product across Mexico and Spanish-speaking communities through ESPN Deportes (U.S – based), ESPN Mexico (Mexico – based) and Fox Deportes (U.S. – based) channels, which will air select Big 12 football and basketball games. Additionally, the Big 12 will look to secure for the first time Spanish radio broadcasts for Big 12 Football and Basketball Championships in 2023-24 and beyond, and will implement 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.
Beyond hosting Conference games across multiple sports, Big 12 Mexico will see the Conference execute a variety of community outreach programming, commercial partnerships, merchandise and activations. This includes the Conference partnering with notable musicians and artists and launching an influencer marketing campaign in the region.
Five current and future Big 12 Conference campuses – Baylor, Houston, TCU, Texas and Texas Tech – are located less than 400 miles away from Mexico, while the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University have campus extensions in Mexico. Mexico City – the largest city in North America with a greater area population of over 22 million – has played host to MLB, NBA, NFL, and is home to the G League’s Capitanes de Ciudad de México.
