Big 12 ditches LED glass courts mid-tournament after mixed reviews about slippery surface

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The Big 12 will return to a traditional hardwood court for the remainder of its men’s basketball tournament after a number of players slipped on the innovative, but controversial, LED glass court. 

Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark issued a statement Thursday night announcing the move, stating that the conference will change the court for the semifinal games in order to provide the "greatest level of comfort" for the players. 

TCU guard Jayden Pierre (1) shoots under pressure from Kansas guards Jamari McDowell (11) and Tre White (3) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Big 12 Conference tournament in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

"After consultation with the coaches of our four semifinal teams, I have decided that in order to provide our student-athletes with the greatest level of comfort on a huge stage this weekend, we will transition to a hardwood court for the remainder of the tournament," Yormark said. 

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"We look forward to a great semifinals and championship game."

The Big 12 announced last month that it would be playing its men's and women's tournaments on the glass surface, which is produced by ASB GlassFloor and has been used at the NBA All-Star Game and in Europe but never during an official competition in the U.S. 

But the innovative courts received mixed reviews. 

"I will say it was a little slippery in some areas," Kansas women's player Elle Evans admitted.

A timeout is taken as an LED court is seen during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game between Kansas and TCU in