As Big 12 Expands, A Basketball Power Spends Big On Football

The Big 12 will expand to 16 teams next year — at which point it will only get more competitive and bring in more media revenue. Now, one of its schools traditionally known as a basketball powerhouse is spending more money on the football field.

The University of Kansas has set an initial fundraising goal of $300 million to renovate its football stadium and bolster the surrounding area with a new conference center and multi-use facilities. New renderings show a transformed Gateway District with retail and dining amenities.

The first phase of the project, which will begin after this season, will see the building of new southwest, west, and north sides for David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. The venue will be reduced from its normal capacity of 47,000 for the 2024 season.

Additionally, the Anderson Family Football Complex — KU’s training facility — will be expanded and renovated with additions like a sports medicine center and 1,200-square-foot content studio to accommodate an increasing focus on NIL.

That $300 million figure is close to but not quite on par with recent renovations at traditional football schools like Florida, which is spending $400 million to upgrade The Swamp.

The Jayhawks finished seventh in the Big 12 last season after finishing last in the conference the previous seven seasons — their 6-6 regular-season record was good enough for the school’s first bowl appearance since 2008.

In 2024, the College Football Playoff will expand to 12 teams, allowing more schools to bring in lucrative postseason revenue.