Memphis, August 11, 2025
News Summary
Memphis officials have confirmed the rejection of their proposal to join the Big 12 Conference for the third time in a decade. The $200 million bid aimed to transition from the American Athletic Conference to a Power 4 conference. Despite their strong football performance and substantial sponsorship commitments, internal discussions among Big 12 board members lacked support, preventing the proposal from reaching a vote. Memphis remains committed to pursuing major conference status, though uncertainty looms as the Big 12 continues to evaluate potential expansions.
Memphis Officials’ Bid to Join Big 12 Conference Rejected for Third Time
In Memphis, officials have confirmed that their proposal to join the Big 12 Conference has been rejected for the third time in a decade. This recent decision comes amidst ongoing college football realignment as the Tigers aimed to transition from the American Athletic Conference to a Power 4 conference with a substantial bid valued at $200 million.
The university’s athletics program has expressed resilience despite the setback, stating that it remains stronger than ever. Memphis’s athletic director, Ed Scott, who has been in the role since June 2024, has prioritized acquiring major conference status for the university and named the Big 12 and Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) as the primary avenues for potential affiliation.
As part of an aggressive strategy, Memphis presented a proposal that included hundreds of millions in sponsorship commitments from corporate partners designed to support its candidacy. Additionally, Memphis offered to forgo conference revenue distributions for a minimum of five years, a move intended to mitigate any financial concerns from existing Big 12 members.
Despite these efforts, internal discussions on Memphis’s bid within the Big 12 board were reportedly brief and void of support, leading to the proposal not reaching a vote among conference presidents. The Big 12 has recently expanded by adding teams like Colorado, Arizona, Utah, and Arizona State, along with previous additions such as UCF, Cincinnati, and Houston, bringing total membership to 16 full-time members.
Memphis president Bill Hardgrave dedicated over a year to engage with Big 12 presidents and athletic directors individually, striving for their support. The university’s previous attempts to join the conference were part of a greater ambition to elevate its program and reputation at the national level, marking Memphis’s bid as one of the most ambitious for a Group of Five university.
Despite the setback, Memphisโs football program has exhibited strong performance, posting a record of 21-5 overall and 12-4 in conference play over the past two seasons. Head coach Ryan Silverfield stands with an overall record of 41-21, which includes significant victories against Big 12 opponents.
The school had previously declined an invitation to the restructured Pac-12, signaling its intention to pursue membership in a Power 4 conference. As it stands, Memphis remains in a state of uncertainty as the Big 12 evaluates potential expansion opportunities moving forward.
Key Facts
- Proposal rejected for the third time by the Big 12 in ten years.
- Valued at $200 million to transition from the American Conference.
- Multiple significant sponsorship commitments included in the proposal.
- Athletic director Ed Scott emphasizes the need for major conference status.
- Current record for football program: 21-5 overall, 12-4 in conference games.
FAQs
Why did the Big 12 reject Memphis’s proposal again?
The Memphis proposal was rejected due to a lack of support from the Big 12 board during internal discussions, and the proposal did not reach a vote among conference presidents.
What were the key components of Memphis’s proposal?
The key components included a $200 million value, corporate sponsorship commitments, and a willingness to forgo conference revenue distributions for at least five years.
What is Memphis’s current football program status?
The football program has performed well, with a record of 21-5 overall and 12-4 in conference games over the last two seasons under head coach Ryan Silverfield.
Chart: Key Features of Memphis’s Bid
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Proposal Value | $200 million |
| Membership Efforts | Third rejection in a decade |
| Sponsorship Commitments | Hundreds of millions from corporate partners |
| Financial Strategy | Forgoing revenue distributions for 5 years |
| Football Record | 21-5 overall, 12-4 in conference games |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Controversy Erupts Over Proposed State Takeover of Memphis Schools
Memphis Urban Fashion Week Launches with Community Events
Chaos Erupts at the CDC Following Vaccine Misunderstandings
Tennessee Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Support Homeownership
MSCS Begins New School Year with Changes and Challenges
Memphis School Board Election Cycle Changes
India and Philippines Conduct Joint Naval Exercises
Memphis-Shelby County Schools Undergo Major Restructuring
Debate on Tax Breaks in Memphis: PILOTs Under Scrutiny
Memphis Flyer Celebrates 30 Years of Local News
Additional Resources
- New York Times: Memphis Big 12 Realignment
- Google Search: Memphis Bid Big 12
- USA Today: Memphis $200 Million Bid Rejected
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Memphis Tigers
- CBS Sports: Memphis Bid to Join Big 12 Falls Short
- Google News: Memphis Big 12 news
- SI: College Football Expansion Memphis Big 12 Offer
- Google Scholar: Memphis Big 12 Proposal
- Front Office Sports: Big 12 Schools Turn Down Memphis Offer
- Commercial Appeal: Memphis Athletics Big 12 Conference Realignment
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
