Big 12 tournament court floor controversy: Why conference got rid of LED glass surface after complaints originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Big 12 conference made an attempt to innovate its court designs, but it didn't go as planned.
The conference debuted new LED floors for both the men's and women's conference tournaments this year, hoping that it would provide a new viewership experience. Instead, the court provided many issues for both tournaments, showing that the LED floors in basketball are still a work in progress.
Before the men's tournament plays its semifinal matchups, the Big 12 made the decision to move back to the traditional hardwood courts. Here's why there was so much controversy regarding these surfaces.
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Big 12 tournament court floor controversy
The Big 12 debuted a new LED basketball court during its men's and women's conference tournaments this year to try and innovate the game. However, the court brought with it a bunch of issues, including a messy visual and less-than-ideal playing conditions for the players.
After the women's tournament was played entirely on the LED floor, and the men's tournament made it through the quarterfinals on the new product, the Big 12 switched the court due to pushback by players, coaches and fans.
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Why was Big 12 using a glass floor?
The Big 12 conference wanted to use an LED glass floor so it could change designs on the court in real time. The conference believed that, despite the court being made of a different substance, that is wouldn't impact the product on the court compared to that of a wooden floor.
Embracing innovation. Elevating the game. This is A Different League.
The 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments this March at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City will mark the first time @asbglassfloor LED court technology will be used for official… pic.twitter.com/cteTPYpp1S
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) February 11, 2026
The idea for the conference was to be able to add elements to the viewing experience, like adding shot charts and animations after important moments, along with more options to entertain fans during timeouts.
"Our goal at the Big 12 is simple: keep raising the bar," Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark said in a statement prior to both conference tournaments. "Elevating our league's profile and adding real value to our programs requires a willingness to push boundaries."
What is an ASB GlassFloor?
ASB GlassFloor is a company that aims to create the future in sports courts by allowing for real-time changes in designs. The company was founded in 2011 and has worked with leagues and other events around the world.
The LED floor product is very common in squash, and has made it to basketball in recent years. In 2024, the NBA used an LED floor during some of its All-Star festivities at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Welcome to #NBAAllStar, where our state-of-the art LED court will shine all weekend long at Lucas Oil Stadium! pic.twitter.com/fpCmFm6oPv
— NBA (@NBA) February 15, 2024
Additionally, the Kentucky men's and women's teams became the first college program to use the LED floor in games.
The Kentucky Wildcats will become the first college program to play on an LED floor tonight, and it looks sick.
The men’s and women’s players got their first look earlier this week, and they were impressed.
“It’s crazy.”
(ASB Glass Floor) pic.twitter.com/01v4eQ6thN
— Tristan Pharis (@TristanUda) October 11, 2024
How much does an ASB GlassFloor cost?
According to The Kansas City Star, the Big 12's LED floor cost over $2 million, as each panel takes around 10 minutes to install.
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Big 12 tournament court floor issues
From the moment the Big 12 debuted the LED court in the women's conference tournament, there were issues across the board. The court was more slippery than the standard floors, had muted colors and led to some players admitting that the changing designs made them dizzy or gave them migraines.
Additionally, the designs of the floor were off, as it resulted in a tough-to-see halfcourt line while the team used caulk to fill in the gap between panels.
Another thing I noticed with the new glass court at the Big 12 Tournament… look at the stark difference in color/saturation between this year (left) and last year (right). At least last the traditional court popped and had a nice shine to it. The glass court is dull with muted… pic.twitter.com/6x2zLneTnf
— Matt Van Winkle (@mattvanwinkle) March 5, 2026
The fact the BIG12 thought the perfect place to roll out a LED video board court for the 1st time ever FOR THE CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT is so incredibly embarrassing…
Please zoom in on this picture. Caulk between the video panels? Are you kidding?
Embarrassing @Big12Conferencepic.twitter.com/7bTK7W3RqT
— Josh Reynolds (@JoshReynolds24) March 13, 2026
Big 12 statement on return of hardwood
After the Big 12 men's conference quarterfinal games concluded on Thursday, the Big 12 announced it would swap out the LED court for traditional hardwood for the semifinal games on Friday.
🚨BREAKING NEWS🚨
Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark tells @CBSSports the league is abandoning its LED glass floor and switching to hardwood overnight for the semifinals and title game the next two days. The coaches have agreed to the switch. Here's Yormark's statement. Story TK. pic.twitter.com/OprQjVwGkT— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) March 13, 2026
"After consultation with the coaches of our four Semifinal teams, I have decided that in order to provide our student-athletes with the greatest level of comfort on a huge stage this weekend, we will transition to a hardwood court for the remainder of the Tournament," commissioner Brett Yormark said in a statement. "We look forward to a great Semifinals and Championship Game."
Big 12 tournament court floor reactions
The Big 12 tournament elicited many negative reactions, from the women's tournament last week to the men's tournament this week.
Not to sound like an old grandpa yelling at the clouds but we need to stop these obnoxious basketball court designs.
The NBA Cup and now the Big 12 have taken it way too far. It’s brutal on the eyes.
Bring back basketball courts that actually look like hardwood flooring. pic.twitter.com/bqOgXqrlhY
— Brandon Koretz (@BrandonKoretz) March 11, 2025
This is horrific. https://t.co/xdUbE3yf6g
— Terry McAulay (@tjmcaulay) March 4, 2026
What watching the 2026 Big 12 Tournament feels like: 👀 pic.twitter.com/KbeeLqm4iV
— College Sports Only (@CSOonX) March 12, 2026
This was a baffling decision in the first place to try out this new glass court at the most important time all season for the Big 12.
Just let the basketball in the league speak for itself.
It’s the best league in America right now.
There was no schtick needed.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) March 13, 2026
Going forward, Big 12 needs to embrace the basketball. That’s what the people come to see. That’s the show. Celebrate the quality of your teams. No need for shiny objects.
— CJ Moore (@CJMooreHoops) March 13, 2026