First-Ever 16-Team Format for the 2025 Big 12 Women’s Basketball Tournament
For the first time in its history, the Big 12 women’s basketball tournament will feature 16 teams, spanning five intense days of competition. This expanded format not only increases the excitement and stakes but also provides a broader platform for talented teams to showcase their skills. TCU, led by standout players Hailey Van Lith and Sedona Price, heads into the tournament as the top seed, boasting a stellar 16-2 conference record. However, the competition is fierce, with Baylor (15-3) and Oklahoma State (14-4) not far behind. Other notable contenders include West Virginia, Kansas State, Utah, and Iowa State, all vying for a strong showing as they gear up for the NCAA Tournament.
Top Seed TCU: A Force to Reckon With
TCU’s dominance in the Big 12 this season is undeniable. The Horned Frogs, led by the dynamic duo of Hailey Van Lith and Sedona Price, have compiled an impressive 16-2 record, securing the No. 1 seed in the tournament. Van Lith, a rising star known for her scoring prowess and versatility, has been a key factor in TCU’s success. Price, with her tenacious defense and sharp shooting, complements Van Lith’s game perfectly. The team’s cohesiveness and depth have set a high standard, and they will be looking to extend their winning momentum into the tournament and beyond. Despite their top seeding, they will face stiff competition from the likes of Baylor and Oklahoma State, making for an exciting and unpredictable tournament.
Key Contenders and Their Prospects
Several teams are poised to make deep runs in the tournament, adding to the excitement. Baylor, with a 15-3 conference record, is a formidable opponent, led by a roster of talented players who have demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure. Oklahoma State, with a 14-4 record, has shown impressive consistency and could be a dark horse in the tournament. West Virginia, Kansas State, Utah, and Iowa State are also not to be overlooked. These teams have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season and have the potential to upset higher-seeded teams. The tournament’s expanded format provides more opportunities for underdogs to shine, making each game a potential upset waiting to happen.
How to Watch the 2025 Big 12 Women’s Basketball Tournament
For fans eager to catch all the action, the 2025 Big 12 women’s basketball tournament offers a variety of viewing options. The first two rounds of the tournament will be available to stream on ESPN+. Quarterfinal games will air on both ESPNU and ESPN+, while the semifinal games will be exclusive to ESPN+. The championship game, scheduled for Sunday, March 9, will air on ESPN and can be streamed on Sling. Subscribers to ESPN+ can enjoy the coverage for $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year, offering a $24 savings. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, there are plenty of ways to stay connected to the tournament and cheer on your favorite teams.
Tournament Schedule and Key Matchups
The 2025 Big 12 women’s basketball tournament is set to kick off on Wednesday, March 5, at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. The tournament will run through Sunday, March 9, with the championship game concluding the event. Here’s a breakdown of the key matchups and times:
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Wednesday, March 5 (Round 1)
- Game 1: No. 13 UCF 81, No. 12 BYU 69
- Game 2: No. 9 Colorado 66, No. 16 Houston 58
- Game 3: No. 15 Arizona State 82, No. 10 Cincinnati 75
- Game 4: No. 14 Texas Tech 57, No. 11 Kansas 53
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Thursday, March 6 (Round 2)
- Game 5: No. 5 Kansas State 80, No. 13 UCF 65
- Game 6: No. 9 Colorado 61, No. 8 Arizona 58
- Game 7: No. 7 Iowa State vs. No. 15 Arizona State (6:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+)
- Game 8: No. 6 Utah vs. No. 14 Texas Tech (9:00 p.m. ET, ESPN+)
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Friday, March 7 (Quarterfinals)
- Game 9: No. 4 West Virginia vs. No. 5 Kansas State (Noon ET, ESPNU, Sling)
- Game 10: No. 1 TCU vs. No. 9 Colorado (2:30 p.m. ET, ESPNU, Sling)
- Game 11: No. 2 Baylor vs. Game 7 winner (6:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+)
- Game 12: No. 3 Oklahoma State vs. Game 8 winner (9:00 p.m. ET, ESPN+)
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Saturday, March 8 (Semifinals)
- Game 13: Game 9 winner vs. Game 10 winner (4:00 p.m. ET, ESPN+)
- Game 14: Game 11 winner vs. Game 12 winner (6:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+)
- Sunday, March 9 (Championship)
- Game 15: Game 13 winner vs. Game 14 winner (5:00 p.m. ET, ESPN, Sling)
Full Seeding, Bracket, and Regular-Season Records
The 2025 Big 12 women’s basketball tournament features a well-rounded and competitive bracket. Here are the full seedings, along with the regular-season records for each team:
- No. 1 TCU (28-3, 16-2)
- No. 2 Baylor (25-6, 15-3)
- No. 3 Oklahoma State (24-5, 14-4)
- No. 4 West Virginia (23-6, 13-5)
- No. 5 Kansas State (25-6, 13-5)
- No. 6 Utah (22-7, 13-5)
- No. 7 Iowa State (21-10, 12-6)
- No. 8 Arizona (19-12, 10-8)
- No. 9 Colorado (18-11, 9-9)
- No. 10 Cincinnati (15-13, 7-11)
- No. 11 Kansas (16-13, 6-12)
- No. 12 BYU (13-16, 4-14)
- No. 13 UCF (11-17, 4-14)
- No. 14 Texas Tech (15-16, 4-14)
- No. 15 Arizona State (9-21, 3-15)
- No. 16 Houston (5-24, 1-17)
Each team brings its own strengths and strategies to the tournament, making for a compelling and unpredictable five days of basketball. As the games unfold, fans can expect to see some of the most exciting and intense moments in college basketball.
