During their 18-game journey through the Big 12 Conference, the Colorado women’s basketball team faced tough competition on a nightly basis.
For the Buffs (20-10, 11-7 Big 12), 11 conference games were decided by single digits and four others were closely contested in the fourth quarter. The challenging path through the Big 12 sets the stage for an intriguing conference tournament this week.
“I just think it’s one of the strongest conferences in the country,” CU head coach JR Payne remarked after the Buffs’ victory against then-No. 20 Texas Tech on Feb. 21. “(The upsets and close games in the Big 12) highlight the conference’s strength, balance, and exceptional coaching. I expect to see many teams making it to March Madness.”
The Big 12 tournament kicks off at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, starting on Wednesday, with the championship game scheduled for Sunday. CU, seeded sixth, earned a first-round bye and will hit the court on Thursday night (7 p.m. MT, ESPN+).
As the tournament commences, five Big 12 teams — TCU ranked 10th, West Virginia at No. 15, Baylor at No. 20, Texas Tech at No. 21, and unranked Oklahoma State — have secured spots in the NCAA Tournament. Six other teams, including CU, are on the tournament bubble.
Overall, 12 teams in the conference are ranked in the top 60 in the NET rankings, making the Big 12 one of the top conferences in the nation. The SEC is the only other conference with 75% of its teams in the top 60.
“I’m excited for the Big 12 to showcase the quality of teams we have in Kansas City,” said Texas Tech coach Krista Gerlich following her team’s loss in Boulder. “I believe we don’t get enough respect.
“(The Big 12 tournament) offers a fun atmosphere and is a conference known for its competitiveness. The men’s side of the Big 12 receives more recognition, but I think it’s time to acknowledge the strength of the Big 12 in women’s basketball.”
Here’s a brief overview of the league’s premier event:
Colorado’s Path
The sixth-seeded Buffs earned a bye and will face off on Thursday against the winner of the Wednesday match between 11th-seeded Kansas and 14th-seeded Central Florida.
In a previous encounter with UCF on Jan. 18, the Buffs suffered a setback but rebounded by winning eight of their next nine games. The upcoming game against Kansas will be a rematch from Feb. 1 where CU emerged victorious in overtime after a late comeback.
A win on Thursday would set up a clash with third-seeded Baylor on Friday (7 p.m. MT, ESPN+).
The Favorite: TCU (27-4)
TCU holds the top seed for the second consecutive year and aims for back-to-back tournament titles. The top seed has historically been successful in this tournament, winning 17 out of 28 times.
Top Contenders: West Virginia (24-6), Baylor (24-7)
West Virginia and Baylor have been strong contenders alongside TCU throughout the season. However, they have yet to secure a win against the Horned Frogs.
Dark Horses: Oklahoma State (23-8), Texas Tech (25-6), Iowa State (22-8)
Although it has been almost a decade since a team outside the top three seeds claimed victory in this tournament, these teams have the potential to surprise. Oklahoma State finished strong to grab the fourth seed, Texas Tech has defeated all top three seeds, and Iowa State boasts the Big 12’s top scorer in Audi Crooks.
Sleeper Picks: Colorado, Utah (19-11), BYU (20-10), Kansas (18-12)
The Buffs have shown promise by defeating top teams and narrowly losing to others. Utah possesses sharpshooters, BYU is on a winning streak, and Kansas boasts top players in Jaliya Davis and S’Mya Nichols.
On the Bubble
ESPN projects Iowa State and CU to make the NCAA Tournament but with uncertainty. Utah is on the edge of the field, needing a win to enhance their chances. Arizona State, BYU, and Kansas are also in contention but must secure wins to secure a spot in the tournament.
Players to Watch
While the focus is on the teams, the Big 12 Tournament will feature standout players like TCU’s Olivia Miles, Iowa State’s Audi Crooks, and other elite athletes from West Virginia, Baylor, and Texas Tech.
2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Women’s Basketball Tournament Schedule
T-Mobile Center, Kansas City, Missouri
(All Times MT; All games on ESPN+ unless noted)
First Round – Wednesday
Game 1 – (12) Kansas State vs. (13) Cincinnati, 10 a.m.
Game 2 – (9) BYU vs. (16) Houston, 12:30 p.m.
Game 3 – (10) Arizona State vs. (15) Arizona, 4:30 p.m.
Game 4 – (11) Kansas vs. (14) Central Florida, 7 p.m.
Second Round – Thursday
Game 5 – (5) Texas Tech vs. Winner of Game 1, 10 a.m.
Game 6 – (8) Utah vs. Winner of Game 2, 12:30 p.m.
Game 7 – (7) Iowa State vs. Winner of Game 3, 4:30 p.m.
Game 8 – (6) Colorado vs. Winner of Game 4, 7 p.m.
Quarterfinals – Friday
Game 9 – (4) Oklahoma State vs. Winner of Game 5, 10 a.m. (ESPNU)
Game 10 – (1) TCU vs. Winner of Game 6, 12:30 p.m. (ESPNU)
Game 11 – (2) West Virginia vs. Winner of Game 7, 4:30 p.m.
Game 12 – (3) Baylor vs. Winner of Game 8, 7 p.m.
Semifinals – Saturday
Game 13 – Winner of Game 9 vs. Winner of Game 10, 2 p.m.
Game 14 – Winner of Game 11 vs. Winner of Game 12, 4:30 p.m.
Final – Sunday*
Game 15 – Winner of Game 13 vs. Winner of Game 14, 3 p.m. (ESPN)
(*If BYU advances to the Championship, the game will be played Monday, March 9 at 2 p.m.)
