SPORTS

Big 12 replaces LED court with hardwood before semifinals

PUBLISHED Mar 13, 2026, 1:33 AM ET

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Kansas City The Big 12 Conference replaced an LED glass basketball court with a traditional hardwood surface late Thursday after players reported slipping and coaches raised safety concerns. Commissioner Brett Yormark said he consulted the coaches of the four semifinal teams and ordered the change to improve athlete comfort; workers began overnight installation ahead of Friday's semifinals. Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson slipped and strained his groin during a quarterfinal, prompting scrutiny. Several players also reported headaches and grip problems on the LED surface during earlier rounds this week. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Daniel Hayes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

LED-lit glass court debuted for the Big 12 tournament earlier this week.
Opening rounds (beginning Tuesday) produced multiple reports of slipping and grip issues.
Quarterfinals Thursday included Christian Anderson’s slip and groin strain, escalating safety concerns.
Coaches discussed problems and urged action; Kelvin Sampson publicly suggested prompt replacement.
Late Thursday Commissioner Brett Yormark ordered a switch to hardwood; workers began overnight installation for Friday’s semifinals.

News Intelligence

If you're a basketball fan, player safety is crucial. Slips and strains can sideline key players and affect game outcomes. This change should improve player comfort and performance. If you're attending the semifinals, expect a more traditional basketball experience.

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Who Benefited

Student-athletes, coaches and spectators benefited from the conference’s decision to restore a conventional hardwood surface, reducing reported slipping incidents and aligning playing conditions with widespread collegiate standards for safety and performance.

Who Impacted

The LED-floor vendor and the conference’s innovation image faced reputational and logistical setbacks after on-court slippage, player complaints and the expedited removal of the glass surface disrupted planned event presentation.

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