Episode Details

Memphis has made an incredibly aggressive and financially substantial push to join the Big 12 Conference, but as of today, Monday, July 21, 2025, they have reportedly been rejected or do not have enough support from the Big 12.

Here's what you need to know about Memphis's efforts and the Big 12's response:

Memphis's Offer to the Big 12:

Massive Financial Commitment: Memphis has reportedly made a proposal worth over $200 million, potentially as high as $250 million, to the Big 12. This is one of the most aggressive and financially significant membership propositions in college athletics history.

Structured Payments & Sponsorships: The proposal includes:

Forgoing Revenue Distribution: Memphis would reportedly agree to take zero revenue distribution from the Big 12 for at least the first five years (similar to SMU's deal with the ACC).

Corporate Sponsorships: The offer includes substantial sponsorship commitments from UM-affiliated corporate partners, such as FedEx, Lowes, and AutoZone. These sponsorships could add as much as $3 million annually to each Big 12 school's coffers.

FedEx Involvement: There were specific mentions of a plan for FedEx to sponsor the conference and its championship game, leveraging the company's strong ties to Memphis.

Long-Term Strategy: Memphis president Bill Hardgrave has reportedly spent over a year meeting individually with presidents and athletic administrators of many Big 12 schools to build support for their bid.

"No-Risk" Concept: Memphis is presenting this as a "no-risk" concept for the Big 12, given the significant financial guarantees and the willingness to forgo revenue sharing initially.

Expulsion Clause: Interestingly, the proposal also reportedly includes a clause where Memphis would subject itself to expulsion after 2030 if the Big 12 deems it is not adding value. This highlights Memphis's determination to prove its worth.

Big 12's Response and Current Status:

Lack of Support (Reported Rejection): Despite the lucrative offer, multiple reports indicate that the Big 12 is currently "not interested" in adding Memphis or that Memphis does not have enough Big 12 support for the move.

Super Majority Requirement: Any expansion move in the Big 12 requires the support of a super majority of the league's presidents and chancellors, which is 12 out of the 16 current schools. It appears Memphis has not been able to secure this level of consensus.

Previous Expansion Strategy: The Big 12 has recently undergone significant expansion, adding BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, UCF, and later Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah. The conference appears to be content with its current 16 members for now and is not willing to let a checkbook alone dictate its next move.

Value Beyond Money: The Big 12 has demonstrated that while money is important, it also values factors like overall fit, long-term upside, and broader visibility in its expansion decisions.

Memphis Remains in the AAC: For now, Memphis remains in the American Athletic Conference (AAC).

Why Memphis is So Eager to Join a Power Conference:

Financial Security: Joining a Power Four conference (Big Ten, SEC, Big 12, ACC) would provide Memphis with significantly higher media rights revenue, ensuring long-term financial stability for its athletic department.

Increased Exposure: