KANSAS CITY, Mo. — College basketball takes center stage this week at T-Mobile Center and the surrounding Power and Light District. Such was the case Tuesday night when Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark addressed reporters at a press conference to discuss issues related to the Big 12. conference tournaments and other matters.
He was joined on stage by Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, Kansas City Sports Commission CEO and Chairman Kathy Nelson, and Raven Jemison, president of the current Kansas City women's professional soccer team. Yormark announced that the Big 12 Tournament for men's and women's basketball will continue. From Kansas City to his 2031.
But Yormark also said the Kansas City Women's Soccer Tournament will be held in Kansas City for at least two years. During the Q&A session, he briefly touched on the College Football Playoff.
Here are five things Yawmark emphasized about basketball.
Related:Big 12 in talks to extend basketball championship in Kansas City until 2031
Women's soccer finds cutting-edge home
This fall, the Big 12 Women's Soccer Championship will not only relocate to Kansas City, but will also be held at CPKC Stadium, home of the Currents, members of the National Women's Soccer League.
The stadium, which officially opens this weekend, is “the world's first dedicated women's soccer stadium,” Jemison said.
“So this is not just going to be about men's and women's basketball, it's going to be about women's soccer as well,” Yormark said. “And we're so excited to be a part of this community and our relationship continues to grow. And we're excited to be a part of this weekend's season opener for KC Current and to see this community build.” We look forward to experiencing the wonderful venue that has contributed to this.”
College Football Playoff negotiations underway
Taking a break from basketball for a moment, Yormark was asked about this week's discussions related to the expanding College Football Playoff.
He said: “There are ongoing consultations regarding the next version of the CFP.” “I think it's fair to say we're making progress. We've had a lot of tough conversations.
“I look forward to those conversations and look forward to moving forward in the most appropriate way. Nothing is final yet. Like I said, it's a work in progress and I look forward to moving forward in the most appropriate way. , I think we’ll get there.”
Related:Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark details growth plans for women's basketball
Women's transition to T-Mobile is a success
This was the first year that the Big 12 women's tournament moved from nearby Municipal Auditorium to T-Mobile Center and overlapped one day with the men's tournament.
The women's team had a strong early start as Texas defeated Iowa State 70-53 to win the championship on Tuesday night.
“When I took this job, one of my priorities was to increase equity in the women’s basketball program,” Yormark said. “Moving the championship to T-Mobile, a world-class venue, for the first time ever was a huge step in that direction.
“The fans were incredibly supportive. We actually set some attendance records and the crowd was great. The feedback was great. I can't take credit for that. was the vision held by (my predecessor) Bob Bowlsby.''
Expanding the NCAA Tournament would help the Big 12
There has recently been talk of expanding the NCAA Basketball Tournament from its current 68-team format, and Yormark said that could help the conference.
“From what I've heard and read, it seems like some expansion is possible,” he said. “I think the number 76 is a number that has come up.
“I've been in contact with Charlie Baker and others at the NCAA to understand how they think about it. The data shows that if we expand to 76, the Power Four conferences will primarily and will benefit centrally,” including the Big 12. More access is great for us. ”
Addition of Four Corners schools and 16 team tournament
With the addition of Arizona, Arizona State, Utah and Colorado, and the departure of Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC, the Big 12 will have 16 teams starting in 2024-25.
“So far I like the structure and organization of this conference, in fact I like it a lot,” Yormark said. “As many of you know, and we've discussed it before, the Four Corners school was the best-case scenario for us.”
And how will that affect the upcoming conference basketball tournament? There were 14 schools participating this year, but two more will be participating.
“All 16 teams will be competing in both the men's and women's tournaments,” Yormark said. “We'll get into more specifics later, but they're all going to be competing.”
Arne Green is based in Salina and covers Kansas State University sports for the Gannett Network. You can contact him at: agreen@gannett.com Or on Twitter @arnegreen.
