The Big 12 Conference has announced a multi-year partnership with Children’s Mercy, naming the hospital as the Official Children’s Healthcare Partner of Big 12 Basketball. This agreement formalizes a relationship that has developed over several years through collaboration in Kansas City.
According to Alejandro Quiroga, MD, MBA, President and CEO of Children’s Mercy, “The Big 12’s passion for the game mirrors our passion for kids. Both of our organizations are accelerating innovation not for points on a scoreboard, but for purpose—focused on helping young people thrive today and reach their full promise tomorrow. Together, we’re investing in potential, demonstrating what’s possible when future generations are at the center of everything you do.”
As part of this partnership, Children’s Mercy will participate in various events during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments held in Kansas City. One feature is the Kid Captains program, where selected patients will be recognized on court during tournament games.
Jenn Hunter, Big 12 Chief Impact Officer, stated: “From a community impact perspective, we’ve always enjoyed the various opportunities to engage with Children’s Mercy families and staff over the years, and now we’re thrilled to grow that impact via the official start of this amazing partnership. Every year we’ve witnessed Kansas City enthusiastically embrace the Big 12 and make us feel at home, so we are excited to have the chance to work with an innovative and influential partner like Children’s Mercy to develop even more creative and meaningful ways to impact the greater Kansas City community.”
To mark the new partnership, KCTV5 will light its tower on March 3. Maclee Refenes and Bode Hogue, who served as Kid Commissioners during the 2025 Big 12 Basketball Media Days, will take part in this event.
More information about this announcement can be found through the Big 12 Conference.
