Big 12 Launches ‘Big 12 Mexico’: League to Play First International Games Beginning in 2024

The Big 12 Conference on Thursday announced it has officially launched “Big 12 Mexico,” the conference’s first international series that will allow it to put on games in Mexico City beginning in December 2024. The first extension of games will begin with Big 12 men’s and women’s basketball between Kansas and Houston, and will be followed soon after by women’s soccer and men’s baseball as part of an exhibition series against clubs from the region.

In addition to the announcement, the Big 12 also said it will continue to explore establishing a football bowl game in Monterrey — which was reported last month — which would be the first in Mexico for any division. The target start date for that would be in 2026.

“Mexico is a natural extension to the Big 12 footprint, and I’m thrilled to introduce Big 12 Mexico as the Conference’s first-ever international presence,” said Commissioner Brett Yormark in a statement announcing the news. “Through Big 12 Mexico, our student-athletes will have the opportunity to compete in an international setting, and our Conference will have the chance to showcase our brand across Mexico.”

The Big 12 is already working with FOX Sports and ESPN to help produce the future games through ESPN Deportes to better establish and present the product to Spanish-speaking communities in Mexico. It is also planning to team up with Zignia, a Mexico City-based live entertainment agency, as a co-promotional partner. The league as part of its plans also will conduct community outreach programming, commercial partnerships, merchandise and activations.