Big 12’s LED court experiment ends mid-tournament — but Yormark isn't done with it originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Big 12 Conference has prided itself on being the conference of innovation. Yesterday, the fully digital LED court at its men's basketball tournament lasted only halfway through before the conference pulled the plug.
Tripping, inconsistencies, and some plain eyesores made focusing difficult. The conference ultimately decided to switch the court on Thursday night, returning to hardwood at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City.
"I still love the LED court because of what it can do..
I told the owner last night that they've gotta go back to the lab and refine some things" @brettyormark#PMSLivehttps://t.co/yYhlkYxCPkpic.twitter.com/h7XZVIjjeG
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 13, 2026
Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark defended the concept despite the early setback, suggesting the technology simply needs more development before it is ready for a major stage.
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"I still love the LED court because of what it can do," Yormark said Friday on The Pat McAfee Show. "I told the owner last night that they've gotta go back to the lab and refine some things."
The decision to revert to hardwood came swiftly after the issues mounted during early tournament rounds. The conference said the decision came after consultation with the remaining team's coaching staff and conference staff.
Yormark said in a statement to CBS Sports, “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.”
The tournament continues at T-Mobile Center through Saturday.
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