Big 12 Announces New Format for Women's Basketball Conference Championships

KANSAS CITY, MO — The Big 12 Conference announced Monday, October 21, that the 2025 Big 12 Women’s Basketball Championship will adopt a new 16-team format, set to take place March 5-9 or March 10, at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City.

Under the new format, the top four teams from the regular season will receive a double-bye into the quarterfinals, while teams finishing fifth through eighth will receive a single bye into the second round. The expanded structure ensures all 16 teams will compete, reflecting the league’s recent growth.

The championship game is scheduled for Sunday, March 9, airing on ESPN. However, if BYU reaches the final, the game will be moved to Monday, March 10, and will be televised on ESPN2. Further details on times and full television coverage will be provided closer to the event.

The 2024-25 season kicks off on November 4, with conference play beginning on December 21. This season marks the first in which the Big 12 includes 16 teams, a factor that contributed to the decision to expand the tournament format. The Conference has consistently sent over half of its members to the NCAA Tournament in recent years, with 15 of the 16 current teams finishing in the top 101 of the NET rankings last season.

All-session tickets for the Championship go on sale October 25 at 10 a.m. CT, with pricing options ranging from $74 for general admission to $650 for courtside tables. Premium seating, which includes club access with light refreshments, will also be available.

2025 Phillips 66 Big 12 Women’s Basketball Championship Schedule

First Round – March 5

• Game 1: No. 12 seed vs. No. 13 seed
• Game 2: No. 9 seed vs. No. 16 seed
• Game 3: No. 10 seed vs. No. 15 seed
• Game 4: No. 11 seed vs. No. 14 seed

Second Round – March 6

• Game 5: No. 5 seed vs. Winner of Game 1
• Game 6: No. 8 seed vs. Winner of Game 2
• Game 7: No. 7 seed vs. Winner of Game 3
• Game 8: No. 6 seed vs. Winner of Game 4

Quarterfinals – March 7

• Game 9: No. 4 seed vs. Winner of Game 5
• Game 10: No. 1 seed vs. Winner of Game 6
• Game 11: No. 2 seed vs. Winner of Game 7
• Game 12: No. 3 seed vs. Winner of Game 8

Semifinals – March 8

• Game 13: Winner of Game 9 vs. Winner of Game 10
• Game 14: Winner of Game 11 vs. Winner of Game 12

Championship – March 9 or March 10

• Game 15: Winner of Game 13 vs. Winner of Game 14

The Big 12’s decision to expand the tournament reflects the league’s evolving landscape and its commitment to providing all teams with a shot at the title.