IRVING, Texas – The Big 12 Conference has announced a multi-year partnership with Children’s Mercy, designating the children’s hospital as the Official Children’s Healthcare Partner of Big 12 Basketball.
This partnership builds on the strong foundation the Big 12 and Children’s Mercy have developed through years of collaboration in Kansas City. By formalizing the Conference’s ongoing engagement with the Children’s Mercy health care system, it deepens a shared commitment to supporting local families and strengthening the Kansas City community.
“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,” said Alejandro Quiroga, MD, MBA, President and CEO of Children’s Mercy. “Together, we’re investing in potential, demonstrating what’s possible when future generations are at the center of everything you do.”
As part of the partnership, Children’s Mercy will join the Big 12 for various events in Kansas City during the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments, including the Kid Captains program, in which selected patients will receive on-court recognition during Big 12 Basketball Tournament games.
“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,” said Jenn Hunter, Big 12 Chief Impact Officer. “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 celebrate the partnership, KCTV5 will light its tower on March 3. Maclee Refenes and Bode Hogue, the Kid Commissioners from the 2025 Big 12 Basketball Media Days, will participate in the lighting of the tower.
About Children’s Mercy
Founded in 1897, Children’s Mercy is a nationally recognized, independent pediatric health system and a world leader in pediatric translational research committed to transforming the lives of children and families. With hospitals and specialty clinics across Missouri and Kansas, Children’s Mercy delivers world-class, family-centered care closer to home. As a nonprofit organization, Children’s Mercy reinvests every dollar donated into advancing pediatric medicine, supporting innovative research and training the next generation of pediatric specialists. With more than 800 pediatric experts, researchers and faculty we are dedicated to improving outcomes and creating a healthier future for all children. Children’s Mercy has earned repeated recognition from
U.S. News & World Report as one of “America’s Best Children’s Hospitals” and is the first health system in Missouri or Kansas to receive six consecutive Magnet designations for nursing excellence. Thanks to generous philanthropic support and a strong volunteer community, Children’s Mercy provides hope, comfort and the prospect of brighter tomorrows to every child who comes through its doors. Visit
Children’s Mercy and the
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About the Big 12 Conference
The Big 12 enters its 30th year as one of the nation’s premier conferences in college athletics under the leadership of Commissioner Brett Yormark. Since joining the Conference in August 2022, Yormark has elevated the Big 12 to new heights, emphasizing marketing, brand building and instilling an innovative strategy that has resonated across the college athletics landscape. The Conference is composed of 16 universities spanning 10 states and four time zones. The Big 12 members include Arizona, Arizona State, Baylor, BYU, UCF, Cincinnati, Colorado, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas Tech, Utah and West Virginia. The Big 12 began play in 1996 and is the home of 92 team NCAA national championships, and 775 individual national champions. The Big 12 Conference office is located in Irving, Texas.