The 2026 Big 12 basketball tournaments officially kicked off this week at the T-Mobile Center but the headline story is not just the competition. It is the court itself. The conference debut of the Germany-based ASB GlassFloor, an LED-powered glass surface, has drawn mixed reviews from players and coaches following the opening rounds of the tournament.
A High-Tech Milestone
The Big 12 is the first league to use this state-of-the-art technology for official U.S. competitive basketball. The defining feature of the court is its digital interface which allows for real-time changes to team branding, colors, and court-wide animations. While the visual impact has been widely praised, the performance of the surface has faced immediate scrutiny.
Player Feedback Regarding the Slick Experience
Despite the technological innovation, several student-athletes reported challenges with the grip of the floor. BYU forward Brinley Cannon said she was sliding a little bit following the victory for the Cougars. She noted it is really cool looking but definitely has a different feel that athletes must get used to. Arizona State guard Marley Washenitz echoed similar concerns by noting that the court did not mimic the feel of traditional hardwood.
Not all feedback was negative however. Some players like UCF center Khyala Ngodu mentioned that the surface felt like an upgrade and once the initial novelty wore off, the floor did not feel drastically different from standard materials.
Operational Adjustments
The move to high-tech flooring has necessitated changes to the operational standards of the arena. Due to the sensitivity of the LED components, the tournament has implemented a strict ban on courtside drink service to prevent potential liquid damage or system malfunctions.
The Road Ahead
The tournament continues through Sunday and the men’s competition is set to tip off on March 10. As the tournament progresses, the focus will likely remain on whether the glass surface can provide a consistent performance experience that matches its impressive visual display.