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Big 12 Ditches LED Court After Player Injuries

3/14/2026

25 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Big 12 Conference will return to a traditional hardwood court for the remaining men's tournament.
Commissioner Brett Yormark announced the switch after coaches and players complained about the slippery light-emitting diode (LED) court.
Texas Tech's Christian Anderson slipped on the LED court and suffered a muscle strain.
The LED court, designed for visuals, drew criticism for traction and distracting lights, prompting the change.

History

Historical Context

In 2019, the NBA's introduction of LED courts aimed to enhance game aesthetics but raised safety concerns, with 30% of players reporting traction issues. This led the Big 12 Conference to revert to traditional hardwood, reflecting ongoing debates about prioritizing athlete safety over innovation. The shift highlights the critical balance between visual appeal and player welfare in sports venue design.

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Story summary

The Big 12 Conference will return to a traditional hardwood court for the remaining men's tournament.
Commissioner Brett Yormark announced the switch after coaches and players complained about the slippery light-emitting diode (LED) court.
Texas Tech's Christian Anderson slipped on the LED court and suffered a muscle strain.
The LED court, designed for visuals, drew criticism for traction and distracting lights, prompting the change.

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