Big 12 Replaces LED Courts with Hardwood for Men's Tournament Semifinals and Championship

The Big 12 conference has announced a significant change for the remainder of its men's basketball tournament. The glass-covered LED floors at Kansas City’s T-Mobile Center will be replaced with traditional hardwood courts. This decision impacts all upcoming matches, including the semifinal games and the championship final.

The Big 12 conference has decided to replace the glass-covered LED floors at Kansas City’s T-Mobile Center with traditional hardwood courts.

Player Safety Concerns Prompt Change

The decision follows numerous reports from players regarding slipping and grip issues. These concerns emerged during the women’s Big 12 basketball tournament last week and continued into the initial rounds of the men’s tournament this week.

Christian Anderson, a player from Texas Tech University, publicly stated that the LED floor contributed to a fall he experienced, which resulted in a groin injury.

Christian Anderson, a player from Texas Tech University, stated that the LED floor contributed to a fall that resulted in a groin injury.

About the LED Courts

The LED floors, which garnered attention during the 2024 NBA All-Star game, are designed to display various animations and graphics during play. They are intended to offer a softer playing surface than traditional hardwood while supposedly maintaining an equivalent level of grip. However, the mounting reports of grip issues and subsequent injuries ultimately prompted semifinal team coaches and Big 12 conference commissioner Brett Yormark to revert to a hardwood surface.

Coaches Weigh In

Texas Tech coach Grant McCasland offered insight into the situation, suggesting that player unfamiliarity with the new surface was a contributing factor. He noted that the LED courts respond differently compared to conventional courts, indicating a potential adjustment period that players did not have.

Texas Tech coach Grant McCasland indicated that a lack of player experience on the new surface was a factor, noting that it responds differently than traditional courts.