Big 12 Ditches Slippery Glass Floor for Hardwood Court

Conference makes change after player safety concerns during tournament

Mar. 13, 2026 at 6:06am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Big 12 Conference has decided to ditch its new slippery glass floor and switch to a traditional hardwood court for the final two days of its men's basketball tournament. The decision comes after numerous players slipped and strained muscles while playing on the experimental glass surface, which was being used for the first time in an official U.S. competition.

Why it matters

The glass floor was intended to provide a modern, data-driven playing surface, but it has proven problematic for player safety and traction. The conference is prioritizing the comfort and performance of student-athletes by reverting to a hardwood court for the tournament semifinals and championship game.

The details

The Big 12 announced the change in a statement from Commissioner Brett Yormark, who said the decision was made "after consultation with the coaches of our four semifinal teams." Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson strained a muscle slipping on the glass floor during his team's loss on Thursday. Kansas coach Bill Self said he was not involved in the decision but agreed it was "the right thing to do."

  • The Big 12 Conference announced the change on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
  • The glass floor was used for the quarterfinal round games on Thursday.
  • The hardwood court will be used for the semifinal and championship games on Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14, 2026.

The players

Brett Yormark

The Big 12 Conference Commissioner who announced the decision to switch to a hardwood court.

Christian Anderson

A Texas Tech guard who strained a muscle after slipping on the glass floor during his team's quarterfinal game.

Bill Self

The head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks, who said he agreed the change to hardwood was the right decision.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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.”

— Brett Yormark, Big 12 Commissioner

“Obviously, the floor is a bit slippery. I think I just kind of mis-stepped or did a movement that caused me to slip.”

— Christian Anderson, Texas Tech Guard

“I personally didn't have any involvement (in the decision to go to hardwood). If the other coaches are doing it, (they) have juice and they got more than I got. Because I didn't have any any involvement with that at all. I think it's the right thing to do.”

— Bill Self, Kansas Head Coach

What’s next

The Big 12 will use a hardwood court for the semifinal and championship games of the men's basketball tournament on Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14, 2026.

The takeaway

The Big 12's decision to switch to a hardwood court for the remainder of its tournament demonstrates the conference's commitment to player safety and comfort, even when it means abandoning an innovative new playing surface. This move prioritizes the well-being of student-athletes over experimental technology, setting an important precedent for the future of college basketball.