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After NFL’s Huge International Success, NCAAF Aims Big With Cross Border Commitments

Published 05/20/2023, 11:56 AM EDT

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As the world continues to become more interconnected, so too does the world of sports. In recent years, we’ve seen a number of major sports leagues venture beyond their borders to expand their reach and grow their fan bases. The NFL has been a leader in this effort, with successful games played in London and Mexico City. 

Now, the Big 12 is following suit. It plans to bring its football and basketball teams to Mexico and perhaps across the globe soon. The NCAAF has especially been inspired by the success of the NFL and NBA with its overseas ventures. The move, part of a broader trend in sports that sees organizations thinking globally, has the potential to pay big dividends for the Big 12. 

Expanding Football Horizons: The Big 12’s Plan to Go Global 

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The Big 12 has been one of the most successful conferences in college football for years, with powerhouse programs like Oklahoma, Texas, and Baylor all competing at the highest level. But despite this success, the conference has been looking for new ways to grow and expand its fan base. That’s where the idea to play games in Mexico comes in. 

 

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The Big 12 is currently in talks to enter into a multi-year agreement to play regular-season football and men’s basketball games in Mexico, starting in 2024. The plan is to start with games in Monterrey for football and Mexico City for men’s basketball. The move is being spearheaded by Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark. He has drawn inspiration from the success of other major sports leagues that have gone international with their market. 

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Challenges and Concerns for the NCAAF

Taking college sports to the international forum is surely a big step for sports leagues. But alongside the global aspirations of the league come a bevvy of challenges. The biggest one perhaps, is the issue of taking college players to international frontiers. The move has the capability of creating severe logistical issues because of international regulations. Logistical concerns around security, transportation, and stadium facilities will need to be addressed in order to make these games a success.

via Imago

Despite these challenges, the Big 12’s move to play games in Mexico certainly has the chances to pay big dividends for the conference. By expanding its reach beyond the borders of the United States, the Big 12 can tap into new markets and connect with fans from around the world. We’ll have to wait and see how things play out, but the future looks bright for college sports on the international stage.

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Written by:

Armaan Gupta

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Armaan Gupta is an NFL Writer at EssentiallySports. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Mass Media and Communication from a prestigious university. Gupta's love for football spans different leagues, from NFL to College Football to XFL.
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Edited by:

Nidhi Rana