Big 12 ponders a longer schedule
Conference leaders are weighing a shift that would add two more contests to the regular season, moving from an 18‑game slate to a 20‑game format. The proposal has ignited a debate that stretches from the sidelines to the boardrooms, as schools balance competitive ambitions with logistical concerns.
Tommy Lloyd, who guides the Arizona Wildcats, has been vocal about preserving the current 18‑game schedule. He argues that a lighter load gives coaches the flexibility to experiment with lineups and to accommodate the increasingly fluid roster dynamics driven by name, image and likeness deals and the transfer portal.
Across the league, West Virginia’s Ross Hodge has thrown his support behind a more aggressive schedule, saying that additional games could sharpen preparation for the NCAA tournament and increase exposure for the conference’s brands.
Brian Thornton, the Big 12’s chief basketball officer, has acknowledged the conversation but stressed that no formal decision has been taken. He noted that any change would need to align with the broader financial outlook, especially as media rights negotiations approach a pivotal moment in 2030.
Why more games matter
The push for more contests is tied to the prospect of greater content for broadcasters and sponsors. More games mean more inventory, which could translate into higher revenue streams at a time when the conference is exploring new ways to monetize its growing footprint.
Meanwhile, the women’s basketball schedule will remain at 18 games, a decision that reflects a desire to maintain competitive balance while avoiding over‑extension of student‑athletes.
The conversation also touched on the NCAA Tournament’s expansion, a development both coaches and administrators view as a positive step for visibility and seeding opportunities across men’s and women’s brackets.
Beyond scheduling, coaches are adapting to new roster challenges. The transfer portal and NIL agreements have altered how teams build talent, prompting discussions about stability and player movement.
International showcases were highlighted as another avenue for growth. Games played abroad could broaden the conference’s fan base and provide fresh recruiting angles.
Among the ideas on the table, a “5‑and‑5” roster rule surfaced, proposing limits on how often players can switch teams within a given period, a measure that could reshape recruitment strategies.