The Big 12 has gone through lots of changes in the last few years, some big and some small. Even Big 12 basketball has seen some changes, like going from 20 conference games to 18 this past season. It may not seem that big, but it actually makes a big difference when it comes to looking at conference wins and losses.
The Big 12 is currently holding meetings in Frisco, Texas, and college basketball expert Jeff Goodman has reported that conversations have arisen about going back to 20 conference games, instead of playing just 18 like they did this last season, stating in the 2027-2028 season.
Big 12 meetings ongoing in Frisco, Texas.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) May 27, 2026
Told there was a discussion about returning to 20 league games starting in 2027-28.
Last season was first year back at 18.
League realizes how strong it is and that 2 more league games would favor teams rather than two more…
For teams like Kansas, Houston, and Arizona that feel like locks in the NCAA Tournament within the first week of the season, this may not seem like a big change, but for bubble teams like UCF, West Virginia, and even Utah, this could be a major change to have two more opportunities to get conference wins.
The Big 12 is one of, if not the strongest, basketball conferences in the country, so playing more conference games can both help and hurt teams. For those teams like UCF, West Virginia, and Utah that tend to be bubble teams, it gives them the opportunity to gain an extra conference win that could look good on a resume. For teams like Kansas, Houston, and Arizona, it could be the reason they lost a one-seed.
In the end, it isn't a bad rule change to play more conference games because the non-conference games that are scheduled at times are not anything that truly helps teams like Kansas.
A young Kansas squad could benefit greatly from more Big 12 games
Kansas is heading into a season with a lot of young talent, and some of that talent may stick around, or it may choose to be one-and-done like lots of freshmen this past basketball season. If the Big 12 goes back to 20 conference games, it wouldn't be effective this after this next season, but Self would probably still see himself with a young squad.
With six incoming freshmen, not all of them would probably be heading to the NBA after next season, so they could be around for this rule to take effect. This is big for a young group like Kansas, which can get more tough games on its schedule before heading into the NCAA Tournament.
Playing in the Big 12 feels like playing in the NCAA Tournament almost every game, so having more opportunities to do so would be huge for Self and all his young talent.
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