Big 12 Conference Unveils Men's Basketball Television Schedule with Five National Partners

What's Happening?

The Big 12 Conference has announced its men's basketball television schedule for the 2025-26 season, marking the first year of broadcast agreements with five national partners. The games will be aired on networks including ESPN, FOX Sports, CBS Sports, Peacock, and TNT. The schedule includes up to 20 games for over-the-air broadcast, with FOX airing 11 or 12 games, CBS broadcasting six, and ABC showing two. The network coverage will commence on December 13 with a game between Oklahoma State and Oklahoma. CBS will start its coverage with BYU at Kansas State on January 3, while ABC will feature Kansas at Iowa State on February 14. A total of 55 conference games will be broadcast on ABC, ESPN, or ESPN2, with an additional 11 games available on ESPN+. FOX will cover 31 league games on FOX or FS1, and CBS will have a six-game network slate along with a 15-game schedule on CBS Sports Network. Peacock will broadcast 18 games, and TNT will produce eight games, all simulcast on truTV.

Why It's Important?

This development is significant as it expands the visibility and accessibility of Big 12 men's basketball games to a wider audience through multiple national networks. The inclusion of major broadcasters like FOX, CBS, and ESPN ensures that fans across the country can follow their favorite teams and games. The partnerships also highlight the growing importance of college basketball in the sports broadcasting landscape, potentially increasing revenue and viewership for the conference. The diverse range of platforms, including streaming services like Peacock, reflects the evolving nature of sports consumption, catering to audiences who prefer digital access over traditional television.

What's Next?

The Big 12 Conference will begin its men's basketball conference play on January 2, with Iowa State hosting West Virginia. The season will conclude with seven games on March 7, broadcast across CBS, ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, Peacock, and TNT. As the season progresses, fans can expect competitive matchups and potential shifts in team standings, influencing postseason opportunities. The conference's collaboration with multiple broadcasters may lead to further strategic partnerships and innovations in sports broadcasting.

Beyond the Headlines

The introduction of streaming services like Peacock into the broadcasting mix signifies a shift towards digital platforms in sports media. This move could influence other conferences to adopt similar strategies, potentially reshaping the landscape of college sports broadcasting. Additionally, the partnerships may lead to increased investment in production quality and viewer engagement initiatives, enhancing the overall experience for fans.