By: Justin “Couz” Walker | WV Sports Chat
Below is the press release from the Big 12 Conference:
The Big 12 Conference and ASB GlassFloor today introduced a state-of-the-art full LED video sports floor that will debut at the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments this March at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City. The Tournaments will mark the first time ASB GlassFloor’s LED court technology will be used for official competition in the United States, representing a significant milestone in the modernization of college athletics. Beyond its use at the Big 12 Basketball Tournaments, this initiative reflects a shared vision to advance innovation in sports, exploring new ways to enhance competition, fan engagement, and the overall game-day experience.
ASB’s GlassFloor is a next-generation, high-performance sports floor that meets the standards of modern hardwood courts. Integrated LED technology beneath the playing surface unlocks dynamic, interactive digital graphics and capabilities impossible on traditional courts. Vetted at the highest levels and used during events at NBA All Star 2024, as well as in EuroLeague professional games and FIBA-sanctioned competitions, the digital court enhances the fan experience both in-arena and on broadcast. It enables real-time branding, in-game activations, and data-driven visuals that seamlessly adapt across basketball and other sports without compromising performance, durability, or student-athlete safety.
“Our goal at the Big 12 is simple: keep raising the bar,” saidBig 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark. “Elevating our league’s profile and adding real value to our programs requires a willingness to push boundaries. Last year, the introduction of the XII pattern on our tournament court did exactly that, and this year we’re taking the next step with ASB GlassFloor. This technology represents the future and bringing it to our basketball tournaments reinforces our commitment to innovation, positioning the Big 12 as a different league and national leader in elevating the game.”
“This partnership with the Big 12 is a major milestone for ASB GlassFloor and for basketball in the United States,” said Chris Thornton, CEO of ASB GlassFloor America. “ASB GlassFloor is engineered to enhance athlete safety while delivering the elite performance standards players demand. Through ASB Arena and Event Services (AES) we’re helping teams and conferences unlock new revenue generation and fan engagement. The Big 12 is setting the standard for innovation, making them the perfect partner to bring this platform to elite competition and shape the future of college sports.”
We are thrilled that the Big 12 is partnering with ASB GlassFloor for the Conference Tournament, said Baylor Women’s Head Basketball Coach Nicki Collen. “Our team had the opportunity to practice on it back in November, and it was an incredible experience for our players. The court is not only visually impressive, but it plays well and represents where our sport is headed. To be a part of this kind of future driven momentum in collegiate athletics is special, and I am thankful to Commissioner Yormark and the Big 12 Conference for pushing our league forward and embracing bold ideas to elevate the game. All eyes will be on Kansas City, and the visibility it brings to our league is something to look forward to.”
“Since Commissioner Yormark has been in charge of our league, there have been many new initiatives and developments to promote and elevate the Big 12, and I believe playing on the glass floor is something that will receive great interest,” said Kansas Men’s Head Basketball Coach Bill Self. “I’m excited about it. I’m an old school guy, but this has me thinking of new school ways, and from what I’ve seen and heard, this is the wave of the future. I think it’ll be great.”
ASB GlassFloor will make its official debut at the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Women’s Basketball Tournament, tipping off Wednesday, March 4, and will also be used for the Men’s Tournament, which begins Tuesday, March 10. Throughout both Tournaments, the court will be used to highlight new partnership opportunities, elevate fan engagement and enhance in-game entertainment. During each matchup, visual effects displayed on the court could include:
- Dynamic court designs
- Shot charts
- Interactive games for fans during timeouts
- Immersive animations following key plays and moments
The 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Women’s Basketball Tournament will take place March 4-8/9, while the Men’s Basketball Tournament will be played March 10-14. The Big 12 currently boasts the most top 25 ranked men’s basketball teams of any conference in America (six), including No. 1 Arizona. The Conference also features three programs in Nielsen’s top 10 most-watched women’s college basketball programs (Iowa State, Oklahoma State and Baylor), and entered the week with 10 of its 16 women’s basketball teams at .500 or better in Conference play. Games will be broadcast across ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU and ESPN+.
Additional enhancements for the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information and to purchase tickets for both tournaments, visit www.big12sports.com.
Click HERE to view/download photos and video of the court(credit Big 12/ASB GlassFloor).
