The Big 12 Conference is shaking things up with a revamped and exciting edition of the 2025 Big 12 Basketball Media Days, and it's sure to be a slam dunk! But wait, there's more... New Era steps up its game as the presenting sponsor, offering attendees exclusive co-branded swag. And that's just the tip of the iceberg!
This year's event, held at the vibrant T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, promises to be bigger and better than ever. Here's a breakdown of the enhancements that will have fans and media buzzing:
- New Era Sponsorship: New Era isn't just a sponsor; they're bringing the swag! All attendees will receive official co-branded media gifts, adding a touch of style to the event.
- Sports Illustrated Swim Beauty Bar: Ladies, get ready to shine! This special feature offers student-athletes and coaches a chance to glam up with professional hair and makeup touch-ups throughout the day.
- Full Media Partner Presence: ESPN, FOX, CBS, TNT, and NBC—the league's TV dream team—will be on the ground, capturing the unique vibe and energy of Big 12 basketball.
- Digital and Influencer Takeover: Get ready for an online storm! Bleacher Report, Lethal Shooter, PassThaBall, and Olivia Petnicki will bring fans behind the scenes with exclusive content, including a thrilling shooting skills challenge.
- The Big 12 Arrival Walk: Picture this—a black-carpet entrance where players and coaches strut their stuff, showcasing their personal brands. It's a fashion show and a basketball event all in one!
- Kid Commissioner Takes the Stage: In a heartwarming twist, the Big 12 partners with Children's Mercy to introduce a Kid Commissioner who will share the spotlight with Commissioner Brett Yormark during his address.
And now, let's talk about the on-air action! ESPNU and ESPN+ will bring you all the excitement from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. CT each day. The talented Matt Schick, Brooke Weisbrod, Anne O'Neil, and Rachel Galligan will host the women's day, while Schick, Fran Fraschilla, Sean Farnham, and Chancellor Johnson take the reins for the men's day. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, Oct. 21, and Wednesday, Oct. 22, for an unforgettable basketball experience.
But wait, there's more to the schedule! Commissioner Yormark takes center stage at 12:10 p.m. CT on Tuesday, bookended by Q&A sessions with women's head coaches and student-athletes, moderated by the fantastic Missy Heidrick. On Wednesday, the men's teams take over with Q&A sessions hosted by Mike O'Donnell. ESPN+ will stream all press conferences and interviews, so you won't miss a beat.
TuneIn Radio will also be on-site, capturing insightful interviews with coaches and student-athletes, building anticipation for the upcoming season. Ari Temkin and James Westling will be joined by Austyn Iven and King McClure for these engaging conversations.
Now, let's dive into the stats that make the Big 12 a powerhouse. The 2024-25 women's basketball season saw five teams finish in the AP Top 25 Poll in consecutive seasons, a feat not achieved since 2010. The league has consistently performed well in NCAA tournaments, reaching the Sweet 16 multiple times and boasting a remarkable 88% success rate in advancing to the regional semifinals.
The men's teams are no strangers to success either. In the 2025 NCAA Tournament, four Big 12 teams made it to the Sweet 16, with Texas Tech and Houston making deep runs. This conference knows how to win, and the numbers prove it!
Below is the star-studded list of attending players, with each school's head coach also in attendance. Get ready to witness basketball excellence!
Women's Players - Tuesday, Oct. 21:
- Arizona: Noelani Cornfield, Mickayla Perdue, Sumayah Sugapong
- Arizona State: McKinna Brackens, Gabby Elliott, Last-Tear Poa
- Baylor: Bella Fontleroy, Jana Van Gytenbeek, Darianna Littlepage-Buggs
- BYU: Brinley Cannon, Delaney Gibb, Hattie Ogden
- UCF: Mahogany Chandler-Roberts, Leah Harmon, Khyala Ngodu
- Cincinnati: Reagan Jackson, Mya Perry, Destiny Thomas
- Colorado: Jade Masogayo, Kennedy Sanders
- Houston: Amirah Abdur-Rahim, Kierra Merchant, TK Pitts
- Iowa State: Addy Brown, Audi Crooks, Jada Williams
- Kansas: Jaliya Davis, Elle Evans, S'Mya Nichols
- K-State: Izela Arenas, Nastja Claessens, Taryn Sides
- Oklahoma State: Micah Gray, Stailee Heard, Amari Whiting
- TCU: Olivia Miles, Maddie Scherr, Marta Suarez
- Texas Tech: Jalynn Bristow, Denae Fritz, Bailey Maupin
- Utah: Lani White, Maty Wilke
- West Virginia: Jordan Harrison, Sydney Shaw, Kierra Wheeler
Men's Players - Wednesday, Oct. 22:
- Arizona: Tobe Awaka, Jaden Bradley, Koa Peat
- Arizona State: Noah Meeusen, Maurice Odum
- Baylor: Obi Agbim, Dan Skillings Jr., Tounde Yessoufou
- BYU: AJ Dybantsa, Richie Saunders, Robert Wright III
- UCF: Devan Cambridge, Themus Fulks, Riley Kugel
- Cincinnati: Kerr Kriisa, Moustapha Thiam, DayDay Thomas
- Colorado: Bangot Dak, Sebastian Rancik
- Houston: Emanuel Sharp, Milos Uzan, Ramon Walker Jr.
- Iowa State: Joshua Jefferson, Tamin Lipsey, Milan Momcilovic
- Kansas: Flory Bidunga, Darryn Peterson, Tre White
- K-State: Abdi Bashir Jr., PJ Haggerty, Mobi Ikegwuruka
- Oklahoma State: Parsa Fallah, Robert Jennings II
- TCU: Brock Harding, Jayden Pierre
- Texas Tech: Christian Anderson, JT Toppin
- Utah: Keanu Dawes, James Okonkwo
- West Virginia: Jasper Floyd, Honor Huff, Brenen Lorient
Subject to change.
The Big 12 Basketball Media Days are shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration of the sport. But here's where it gets controversial—which enhancement are you most excited about? Is it the glitz and glam of the beauty bar, the behind-the-scenes digital coverage, or the inspiring Kid Commissioner? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's spark a friendly debate!
