With restaurants packed, hotels booked and fans spilling through the Power & Light District, the Big 12 Tournament has become one of Kansas City’s most reliable economic engines — and one of its most beloved traditions.

Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Jaylen Curry (0) dribbles through traffic in the second half of the Oklahoma State Cowboys first round game vs. the Colorado Buffaloes in the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at T-Mobile Center. The Cowboys beat the Buffaloes 92-83. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com

Hotels, restaurants and shops near T-Mobile Center see surge as fans pack downtown.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — David Punch scored 26 points, Tanner Toolson made a couple of big baskets down the stretch, and sixth-seeded TCU rallied for a 95-88 victory over No. 14 seed Oklahoma State in the second round of the Big 12 Tournament on Wednesday night.

For former Kansas basketball player Markieff Morris, Thursday’s matchup against TCU is his first time experiencing the Big 12 Tournament as a fan.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - he Big 12 has firmly re-established itself as the most dominant men’s basketball conference in the country, and that brings an extra spotlight to Kansas City as it hosts the conference’s postseason tournament this week.

For the seventeenth consecutive year, Kansas City is hosting the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament.

The Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament begins Tuesday in Kansas City, featuring 16 teams, 15 games, and an estimated $34 million economic impact