In Kansas City, the Big 12 Commissioner’s vision for the conference’s postseason basketball tournament has taken a bold step forward, transforming the court to reflect a fresh, modern aesthetic aimed at engaging younger audiences. Brett Yormark, the commissioner, has spearheaded this change to align with his vision of making the league appealing and contemporary.
The traditional hardwood has bid farewell, giving way to a striking floor showcasing hundreds of “XII” logos spanning baseline to baseline. This transformation has sparked mixed emotions, resembling patterns often seen in fashion brands like Louis Vuitton to some, while others find it overwhelming to the eyes.
Yormark clarified, “The court’s design is about showcasing our student-athletes,” prior to the debut game between Cincinnati and Oklahoma State in the newly expanded 16-team tournament. He emphasized the importance of modernizing the brand to resonate with current and future athletes from the moment he joined the Big 12.
This redesigned court first appeared during last week’s women’s tournament, featuring distinctive black baselines and sidelines, with the Big 12 logo prominently positioned at center court. Depending on the viewer’s perspective, opinions on the design range from seeing it as an exceptional exhibit of style to finding it distracting or unappealing.
On social media platforms, reactions varied widely. Basketball analyst Erik Haslam humorously expressed that the floor design could trigger anxiety, while others noted visible challenges for television cameras focusing on the game. Some expressed concerns over being visually overwhelmed by the patterns.
Conversely, there were fans who appreciated its chic appeal, finding it daring and aligned with modern tastes. this trend of avant-garde court designs continues to gain traction across the sports world. Environments like the palm tree-decorated Florida Atlantic University court and Memphis’s slash-marked floor illustrate this creative direction.
Moreover, the Big 12’s partnership with lifestyle brand UNDEFEATED is evident in the court design, including their “5-strike” logo, drawing connections to art, music, and street culture. Yormark relayed positive feedback from Iowa State, whose players thoroughly enjoyed practicing on the new court. He remarked, “We aimed to make a profound statement. While perfection is elusive, the positive reactions from those who matter, particularly the players, affirm our choices.”
