Could Big 12 introduce yet another change to the men's basketball schedule?

The West Virginia Mountaineers might have some unexpected changes coming to future conference schedules on the hardwood.

Last year, the Mountaineers went 9-9 in Big 12 play in a slate that feature 18 league games. But fans who pay attention closely from year-to-year will remember that the year prior, the Mountaineers went 10-10 in conference action – which adds up to 20 games.

That's because when the Big 12 expanded to 16 teams two seasons ago, the league decided to increase the number of conference games to 20 total. But after one season of the experiment, the league decided to revert back to 18 games, allowing two extra opportunities for non-conference games.

But now, it's possible that the league will flip-flop and once again alter the amount of league games according to recent reporting from Jeff Goodman from the Field of 68. Big 12 meetings are underway in Texas, and Goodman's reporting indicates the league is currently in discussions to return to the 20-game conference format in 2027-2028.

Goodman also said the league is in the middle of such discussion due to the fact that they believe a 20-game conference slate in the strongest model for postseason purposes, amd favors Big 12 teams more than two additional non-conference matchups.

So what does this mean for the West Virginia Mountaineers? Well, it depends on the season in particular, and the results of the games. Two years ago, the Mountaineers may have swapped two conference losses for wins in non-conference play, which would have boosted their record to 21-11 and improved their chances at the NCAA Tournament.

Last year, the extra two games could have further harmed already weak NCAA Tournament resume, but it could have also allowed them a chance at two more conference wins against opponents that would have boosted their postseason resume.

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