News Summary
Memphis University has proposed a significant financial bid of up to $200 million to join the Big 12 Conference, backed by local sponsorships. Despite the university’s ambitions and commitment to forgo media rights revenues, support from current Big 12 members remains limited. This marks Memphis’ third attempt to gain entry into a higher-tier conference, as they seek to bolster their athletic programs and elevate their competitive standing. Ongoing discussions highlight the complexities of college athletics and the challenges faced in conference realignments.
Memphis, TN – Memphis University has proposed a bid that could reach approximately $200 million to join the Big 12 Conference, as reported by sources familiar with the situation. Despite the ambitious offer, which includes sponsorships from prominent local companies like FedEx, the proposal is encountering a lack of support from current Big 12 member schools.
The athletic department at Memphis has put forth a significant financial proposal aimed at securing its entry into a higher-tier conference. In addition to the sponsorship money, the Tigers have committed to forgoing media rights revenues for five years if their bid is accepted. Recent estimates suggest that the financial proposal might even reach $250 million, but the Big 12 has shown little interest in this potential membership.
Memphis has been striving to exit the American Conference for several years, seeking inclusion in a more prominent athletic conference. The school’s current Athletic Director, Ed Scott, who assumed the role a year ago, has made this goal a major priority. Since the formation of the American Conference over a decade ago, Memphis has remained a member, while other institutions such as Houston, UCF, and Cincinnati have successfully transitioned to the Big 12.
Recently, SMU left the American after the 2023-24 academic year to join the ACC, opting to sacrifice media rights earnings for nine years. Memphis did not receive an invitation to join the Big 12 during the recent expansion phase, marking this as the third attempt since 2016 to secure membership in the conference.
In communications with Big 12 leaders earlier this year, university president Bill Hardgrave expressed Memphis’ readiness to join the conference, emphasizing the strength of the university’s basketball and football programs. This ongoing discussion has unfolded against the backdrop of significant changes within the Pac-12, which prompted the Big 12 to add teams such as Colorado, Arizona State, Arizona, and Utah.
The proposed $200 million bid from Memphis includes a commitment of approximately $150 million in sponsorships over the next five years. Memphis has also outlined its willingness to face potential expulsion after the 2030-31 season if the Big 12 finds no value in the partnership. Additionally, the university has plans to share approximately $20.5 million with its athletes by next year, following recent changes in revenue-sharing guidelines.
Memphis’ pursuit of joining the Big 12 highlights its aspirations to become part of the Power Four conferences, a move underscored by its financial proposals. Reports suggest that Memphis officials have engaged with Big 12 executives for over a year to negotiate various terms related to this offer. Currently, the Big 12 has 16 teams in its membership, and any expansion requires a supermajorityโat least 12 votesโto proceed.
Despite these efforts, recent discussions within the Big 12 have indicated a lack of enthusiasm for adding Memphis to their ranks. The rejection of this offer aligns with a broader consensus that Memphis does not offer a compelling addition in terms of enhancing the conference’s stature or financial benefits.
As it stands, Memphis remains in the American Conference, which has been undergoing changes, including rebranding as it distances itself from its former identity as the “AAC.” The university continues to strategize its future while actively seeking opportunities to elevate its athletic programs and join elite-level competition.
The ongoing developments surrounding Memphis’ bid underscore the dynamic and competitive landscape of college athletics, particularly as institutions navigate the complexities of conference alignments in pursuit of greater financial stability and visibility in the realm of collegiate sports.
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Additional Resources
- Commercial Appeal: Memphis Athletics and Big 12 Conference
- Sports Illustrated: Memphis and Big 12 Conference Proposal
- Front Office Sports: Big 12 Schools Rebuff Memphis Offer
- Heartland College Sports: Big 12 Rejects Memphis Bid
- CBS Sports: Memphis Bid to Join Big 12 Falls Short
- Wikipedia: Memphis
- Google Search: Memphis Big 12 Conference
- Google Scholar: Memphis Athletics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Memphis Tigers
- Google News: Memphis Big 12
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