KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Big 12’s basketball commissioner, Brett Yormark, has unveiled a dazzling transformation for the league’s postseason tournament, aligning it with his vision of a fresh and trendy image. The revamped court design has stirred mixed reactions from fans this week.
Gone are the days of a traditional basketball court; in its place, a floor adorned with a tapestry of “XII” logos spanning from one baseline to the other has emerged. This bold design mirrors the aesthetic of a high-end fashion brand to some, while others criticize it as visually overwhelming.
“It’s not about my preferences, but about creating something for our student-athletes,” Yormark stated before the Cincinnati and Oklahoma State teams set foot on the court for the inaugural game of the newly expanded 16-team Big 12 Tournament. “When I arrived, my objective was to modernize our brand and connect with both current and future student-athletes, and this court embodies that mission.”
The floor, shaded in gray, was first introduced at the women’s Big 12 Tournament last week, featuring black lines and the Big 12 logo prominently at center court. This design has polarized fans, with few feeling neutral about its impact on the visual experience of the game.
“The Big 12 Tournament floor has me on edge,” tweeted hoops analyst Erik Haslam. Other fans joked about hidden messages within the design or expressed concerns over the visual challenges it poses for TV cameras, particularly for those viewing online. There are even fears it might trigger seizures for sensitive viewers.
On the flip side, some embrace the court as avant-garde and stylish, appreciating its contemporary flair.
Such dramatic court designs are on-trend, with courts like FAU’s featuring palm trees and Memphis showcasing slash marks, while the NBA Cup has gained fame for its own artistic surfaces.
The distinctive Big 12 court also marks a collaboration with the modern sportswear brand UNDEFEATED, famed for blending sports, art, and street culture in its designs, evident in their iconic “5-strike” logo gracing the court’s baseline.
Yormark emphasized the positive feedback from Iowa State’s basketball team, who expressed admiration for the new aesthetic during practice. “I strive to make a bold statement with every endeavor, aiming for a design that resonates with those whose opinions matter most,” Yormark explained. “Though perfection is elusive, the favorable reception by our athletes is what truly counts to me.”
