Big 12 Conference postpones Mexico initiative

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Big 12 Conference teams will have to wait a little longer before showcasing their skills outside of the United States.

'Big 12 Mexico,' the conference's first international extension, will not begin until 2025, the Big 12 announced Tuesday morning. The initiative was originally set to kick off in December of 2024 with Kansas vs. Houston men and women's basketball games in Mexico City.

The conference released the following statement regarding the delay:

Today, the Big 12 announced it will delay the launch of Big 12 Mexico, with a new target date of 2025. Since Big 12 Mexico was announced, a variety of major initiatives have been added to the Conference's agenda - headlined by the onboarding of four new member institutions. The Big 12 will continue to build its brand in Mexico through broadcast partners and remains enthusiastic about bringing the Big 12 to Mexico.

- Big 12 Conference via X (formerly Twitter)

When it was initially announced back in June of 2023, the Big 12 was planning to begin the extension with men and women's basketball, followed by women's soccer and baseball. The conference also said it plans to explore bringing the first ever bowl game to Mexico in 2026.

Once Big 12 Mexico is underway, the conference plans to emphasize community outreach programming in Mexico in addition to playing games.