The Big 12 is not interested in adding the Memphis Tigers to its roster of teams. The development came despite the American Athletic Conference (AAC) offering $250 million in sponsorship money for the program. The news was reported by On3’s Brett McMurphy.
“Big 12 “not interested” in adding Memphis despite school offering $250 million in sponsorship to the league, sources told @On3sports. Memphis was trying to buy way into Big 12. Yahoo 1st reported Memphis trying to get Big 12 invite,” wrote McMurphy on X.
Big 12 “not interested” in adding Memphis despite school offering $250 million in sponsorship to the league, sources told @On3sports. Memphis was trying to buy way into Big 12. Yahoo 1st reported Memphis trying to get Big 12 invite
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) July 21, 2025
The first person to report the Memphis Tigers’ desire to join a Power Four conference was Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger on Monday. He described the scheme as the most aggressive attempt to join an athletic conference in college sports history. According to him, Memphis Tigers’ president Bill Hardgrave had been lobbying for a potential deal for 14 months.
In the most lucrative membership proposal in college sports history, Memphis has made a $200 million offer to enter the Big 12, sources tell @YahooSports.
For now, it does not have enough support but potentially sets a standard for all future expansion.https://t.co/MefkD9du7B
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) July 21, 2025
University of Memphis’ statement regarding Big 12’s decision not to include them in the league
The University of Memphis has released a statement with regards to the Big 12’s decision not to include them in their league.
The Tigers seem determined to continue their efforts to join a new conference.
“The University of Memphis is aware of the recent conversations regarding our potential inclusion in the Big 12,” the university said in a statement. “While those discussions did not ultimately move in our favor, our university and Memphis athletics are stronger than ever, and we look forward to continuing to strengthen our position nationally.”
It will be interesting to see where the Tigers attempt to move next, as the Big 12 seemed the most welcoming of the power conferences. The Big Ten and SEC are almost out of reach for Memphis, but the ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) could be an affordable moonshot if the school authorities can round up enough money to make an enticing offer.
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