On Thursday, the Big 12 conference announced the launching of Big 12 Mexico.
Big 12 Mexico is being described as “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”.
Also a part of the initiative is the potential launching of a college football bowl game that would be played in Monterrey, starting in 2026.
“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,” Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark said in the press release. 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.”
As part of the initiative, the Big 12 will see Kansas and one of their newest universities, Houston, face off in Mexico City at Arena CDMX in December of 2024 in both men’s and women’s basketball. There are also plans wot have women’s soccer and baseball exhibitions against clubs from within the region.
The launch of Big 12 Mexico will be assisted by both Fox Sports and ESPN who will use their ESPN Deportes, ESPN Mexico, ESPN on Star+, and Fox Deportes channels to air various Big 12 football and basketball games. The conference plans to continue to expand its media strategy in Meixco over the upcoming years as well.
The conference also notes that there will be a “community outreach programming, commercial partnerships, merchandise, and activations,” as part of the initiative.
As the Big 12 expands its footprint into Mexico, the conference is also looking to expand its footprint within the United States. The conference has been in talks with various universities such as Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, and others to potentially join the conference.
