The controversy surrounding the glass basketball court used during the Big 12 Conference tournament has intensified after new details emerged about a previously cited NBA-commissioned study.
The court, developed by Swiss company ASB GlassFloor, features LED panels beneath tempered glass designed to replicate traditional hardwood performance. However, its debut at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City was cut short following player complaints and an injury incident.
During the quarterfinals, Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson suffered a muscle strain after slipping on the surface, raising concerns among players and coaches about traction. In response, Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark ordered the court to be replaced with a traditional wooden floor for the final rounds.
ASB CEO Benedikt von Dohnanyi initially defended the product by referencing a study conducted ahead of the NBA All-Star Weekend 2024, claiming it showed the glass surface performed similarly to hardwood, including grip levels.
However, a detailed review of the 50-page report by engineering firm Rimkus paints a more nuanced picture. While the study found no clear evidence of increased injury risk for limited, non-game use, it explicitly stated that evaluating full-game conditions was outside its scope.
The testing itself was limited, conducted on just four panels rather than a full court, and under controlled indoor conditions. Researchers also flagged inconsistencies in friction results and noted that the surface could wear down shoe rubber, potentially affecting traction over time.
Under dry conditions, the glass court demonstrated lower friction—making it comparatively more slippery—than standard NBA hardwood courts, though still within acceptable safety thresholds. Interestingly, in wet conditions, the glass surface performed better than traditional wood in maintaining grip.
The study also found the floor to be slightly stiffer and less shock-absorbent than typical NBA courts, raising additional questions about its suitability for extended gameplay.
Despite the criticism, ASB stated it is conducting further analysis with an independent scientific institution and emphasized that its courts have passed international certification standards, including those set by FIBA.
With the technology already used in select international events and exhibitions, the Big 12 incident highlights the challenges of introducing innovation into competitive basketball—especially when player safety and performance remain under scrutiny.