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As rumors fly about the Big 12’s possible expansion plans from coast to coast, the conference has announced another form of expansion — across U.S. borders.
On Thursday, the conference announced the official launch of “Big 12 Mexico,” which will include women’s soccer, baseball, basketball, and football games and an international media rights strategy.
The initiative is part of a strategy to establish a “long-term presence” in the country, a source previously told Front Office Sports. It’s the first conference to build a fortified presence outside U.S. borders.
The conference noted in its release that five of its current and future members are less than 400 miles from Mexican borders, making Mexico a “natural extension” of the Big 12.
- The first event will be a set of men’s and women’s basketball games. Houston and Kansas will face off in December 2024 in Mexico City at Arena CDMX.
- Women’s soccer games and baseball games will be scheduled as well as exhibitions against local teams.
- The Big 12 is looking to plan a bowl game in Monterrey, Mexico, beginning in 2026.
The conference also plans to use these events to spearhead media interest in Mexico.
Starting this season, ESPN and Fox will begin airing Big 12 football and basketball games in the region with the intention of garnering interest for future in-person matchups. The Big 12 is also exploring implementing Spanish-language broadcasts for the conference’s football and basketball championships. There will also be an “influencer marketing campaign” in Mexico to promote the conference.
As has been the case with the conference since Commissioner Brett Yormark took over, the initiative will also include community events, including musical performances.
