
The Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament, known as the Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament, is held at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. The tournament has been hosted in Kansas City 24 times since its inception in 1997, with the 2025 event marking the 24th time—more than any other city. The tournament was also held in Dallas, Texas, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in previous years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | The Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament (Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament under sponsorship agreements) |
| Format | Single-elimination tournament of four rounds |
| Location | T-Mobile Center, Kansas City, Missouri |
| Dates | 12-16 March 2024 (men), 7-12 March 2024 (women) |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

The tournament's location from 1997-2003
The Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament has been held annually since the first full basketball season was completed in 1997. The tournament location from 1997 to 2003 is as follows:
1997-2002
The tournament was held at Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Missouri, in early March every year from its inception in 1997 until 2002. The only exception during this period was in 2002 when the women's tournament was held at the Municipal Auditorium, also in Kansas City, MO.
2003
In 2003, the tournament was held at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
Championship Winners During This Period
During the period from 1997 to 2003, the championship winners were as follows:
- 1997: Kansas
- 1998: Kansas
- 1999: Kansas
- 2000: Iowa State
- 2001: Oklahoma
- 2002: Oklahoma
- 2003: Oklahoma
YMCA Basketball: When Does the Season Tip Off?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Venues in Dallas and Oklahoma
The Big 12 men's basketball tournament has been held annually since 1997, the year after the Big 12 was formed. The tournament has been held in Dallas, Texas, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in addition to its frequent host, Kansas City, Missouri.
In 2003, 2004, and 2006, the tournament was held at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. The venue has a capacity of over 20,000 and is home to the Dallas Mavericks of the NBA and the Dallas Stars of the NHL.
In 2007 and 2009, the tournament was held in Oklahoma City. In 2007, the tournament took place at the Ford Center, now known as the Paycom Center, which is home to the Oklahoma City Thunder of the NBA. The venue has a capacity of over 18,000 and is located in downtown Oklahoma City. In 2009, the tournament was held at the Oklahoma City Arena, now known as the Chesapeake Energy Arena, which is also the home of the Oklahoma City Thunder. This venue has a capacity of over 18,000 as well.
Kansas City has been the primary host of the Big 12 men's basketball tournament, hosting the event every year since 2008, except for 2009 and 2020. The tournament is held at the T-Mobile Center, previously known as the Sprint Center, which has a capacity of over 18,000 and is home to the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder.
Basketball Size Guide: Adult Basketballs for Competitive Play
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Kansas City as host
Kansas City has a long history of hosting the Big 12 men's basketball tournament, having first welcomed the championship to the Kemper Arena in 1997. For the next few years, up until 2003, and again in 2005, the tournament was held annually in Kansas City, Missouri. After a brief interlude in Dallas, Texas, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the tournament returned to Kansas City in 2008, this time at the Sprint Center. Kansas City secured its place as a beloved host city when it was announced that the tournament would be held there every year from 2010 through to 2025.
Kansas City's central location within the Big 12 Conference footprint makes it a convenient destination for fans and teams alike. The city boasts a vibrant downtown area, with plenty of accommodation, dining, and entertainment options for visitors to enjoy during their stay. The T-Mobile Center, where the tournament takes place, is easily accessible, with plentiful parking options and an efficient public transport system, including the KC Streetcar and the MAX rapid system.
The city embraces the tournament with open arms, with local event partners and the Kansas City Sports Commission working together to create a festive atmosphere. The area surrounding the T-Mobile Center comes alive with watch parties, spirit rallies, and other exciting events and activities for fans to enjoy throughout Championship Week. The city's enthusiasm for the tournament is evident, and it has become a beloved tradition for many basketball enthusiasts in the region.
Kansas City's passion for the sport, coupled with its convenient location and excellent infrastructure, ensures that it continues to be the perfect host for the Big 12 men's basketball tournament. The city's rich history with the championship, dating back to its early years, further cements its place as the host city, with 2025 marking the 24th time Kansas City has proudly hosted the tournament—more than any other city.
Who's Calling the Shots in Men's Basketball?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$74.82 $84.99

T-Mobile Centre
The T-Mobile Center, formerly known as the Sprint Center, is a multi-purpose arena located in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. It was inaugurated by an Elton John concert on October 10, 2007, three days after its opening. The final design for the arena was selected in August 2005 by the Downtown Arena Design Team, a collaboration of several architectural firms. The construction was managed by the M.A. Mortenson Company, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and was completed at a cost of US$276 million (equivalent to $419 million in 2024).
The T-Mobile Center has become Kansas City's primary indoor arena, hosting a variety of events, including basketball tournaments and concerts. Discussions have been held with the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Basketball Association (NBA) about possible expansion or relocation of a professional hockey or basketball franchise to the arena. However, neither league has approved a team to play at the T-Mobile Center to date.
The arena has a rich history of hosting notable basketball tournaments, including the Big 12 men's basketball tournament in 2008 and every year since 2010. It also hosted the first and second rounds of the NCAA men's tournaments in 2009, 2013, 2017, 2019, and 2023. Additionally, the Kansas City regional of the NCAA Women's Division I Basketball Tournament was held at the venue in 2010 and 2018.
In terms of entertainment, the T-Mobile Center has welcomed a diverse range of performers, including Elton John, Kid Rock, Katy Perry, Maxwell, Blink-182, and many others. The arena offers premium experiences such as Terrace Tables, providing guests with exclusive benefits like in-seat service and VIP treatment. The venue is committed to sustainability and partners with local non-profits to positively impact the planet.
Where to Watch Louisville Basketball Tonight
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Sponsors and naming
The Big 12 men's basketball tournament has had a variety of sponsors and names since its inception in 1997. Initially, and up until at least 2025, the tournament was known as the Phillips 66 Big 12 men's basketball tournament under a sponsorship agreement.
The tournament has been held annually since 1997, with the exception of the 2020 edition, presumably cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The host venue has historically rotated between a few different cities and arenas, but Kansas City has been the most frequent host, having hosted the tournament every year between 2010 and 2025.
The tournament was held in Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Missouri, every year from its inception until 2003, with the exception of 2002. In 2003, 2004, and 2006, it was held at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, and in 2007, it was hosted by the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The tournament returned to Kansas City in 2008, this time at the Sprint Center, and again in 2009, it was held in Oklahoma City.
Kansas City has been announced as the host for the Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Championship until at least 2025, with the 2025 event marking the 24th time that Kansas City will have hosted the tournament—more than any other city. The tournament is set to be held at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, from 2024 to 2025.
Who's the Top Scorer in Basketball?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The Big 12 men's basketball tournament is held in Kansas City, Missouri, at the T-Mobile Center.
The first Big 12 basketball tournament was held in 1997.
The Big 12 basketball tournament is held annually.
The 2023 Big 12 basketball tournament was held at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.











































