Big 12, Kansas basketball locks in date next year for interconference game in Mexico

After Kansas basketball defeated Houston 78-65 yesterday, the Big 12 Conference released information regarding next year's meeting between the two schools in Mexico City.

The Jayhawks and Cougars will face off in a nonconference game on Dec. 14, 2024, in Arena Ciudad de México (CDMX). Because it is being played before conference play, it will not affect the Big 12 standings. The two schools are expected to have one conference game in Lawrence later in the year.

Chris Vannini of The Athletic broke the news that Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark was planning on hosting a game in Mexico City next season back in May, but the league confirmed the date yesterday. Houston was viewed as the top option to play in Mexico because of its proximity to Texas, and Kansas is widely regarded as one of the best basketball schools in the country.

Arena CDMX has hosted NBA bouts and UFC fights before, but it will be the first time the venue holds a collegiate game. There is no question it will be one of the most anticipated regular-season games of the 2024-25 season.

It will be the second straight season the Kansas basketball program has an international trip. The team traveled to Puerto Rico for three exhibition games in August 2023, competing against several NBA players in the scrimmages.