Report: Big 12 'exploring' football game in Mexico City, Monterrey

Expansion is occurring throughout college football at the moment, with the 2024 season being the beginning of a new era in the sport. The Big 12 has been in the center of it all and will experience some subtractions while potentially looking to add to the conference. But commissioner Brett Yormark is now looking to expand in a completely different way.

According to SI’s Ross Dellenger, the Big 12 is “exploring” playing a football game in Mexico in the near future. Both Mexico City and Monterrey are under consideration by the conference, with Yormark recently visiting the country’s capital to scout things out.

Basketball could kick things off for the league, while baseball and soccer are part of “long-term” plans for the Big 12.

“The league expects to begin holding basketball games in Mexico during the 2024–25 season and football in fall of ’25, a source told SI,” Dellenger said. “In a more long-term plan, the conference is also looking to add baseball and soccer games in Mexico.”

No specific teams were mentioned by Dellenger but the venue would be in Monterrey. Estadio BBVA would be the stadium, the current home of C.F. Monterrey. Some big-time non-C.F. Monterrey events have occurred there including international soccer games and big-name concerts.

Kansas, Houston Big 12 men’s basketball matchup expected in Mexico

Two of the conference’s best men’s basketball programs are expected to head across the border for one of their 2024-2025 matchups. Kansas and Houston have both been top-10 teams over the past few seasons and will now get to play in front of fans in Mexico.

Kansas is not too far removed from winning a national championship. Legendary head coach Bill Self just announced he would be back with the program next season following health-related issues to close out the 2022-2023 campaign.

Houston will be a fresh face to the Big 12, officially joining the conference this summer. Head coach Kelvin Sampson has built up the program in a big way, consistently being one of the best teams in the country. A huge spotlight for one of the Big 12’s fresh faces.

Dellenger reports Arena CDMX in Mexico City would be the venue, holding just over 20,000 people. Of course, Houston would be a quick flight over while Kansas fans have proved they are willing to travel anywhere. Mix in a good crowd of people from the area and the Big 12 would have quite the event on their hands.