Memphis Offers $200 Million To Big 12

Memphis proposed an offer to the Big 12 that is expected to be as high as $200 million over the next five years, Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger reported. Despite the aggressive approach from the university to leave the American Conference, a quick entrance might not be that simple.

Conference expansion requires the support of a super majority of the league’s presidents or chancellors, or 12 of the 16. According to the report, there is not enough league-wide support at the moment as Big 12 officials continue to explore the proposal.

Memphis president Bill Hardgrave spent more than a year planning the proposal and took meetings with administrators in Big 12 programs. Money is expected to come through sponsor commitments from Memphis-affiliated corporate partners, in addition to a plan to forego the Big 12’s revenue distribution for at least the next five years.

The Tigers were on the outside looking in during a recent round of conference realignment when the Big 12 snagged Cincinnati, UCF, Houston and BYU from the American. Memphis was certainly in consideration at that time, but the conference leaders ultimately decided to pass on adding the Tigers.

Even though there does not seem to be enough support for Memphis to join the Power 4 status, conference realignment moves quickly. Memphis received significant investments from sponsors like FedEx, Lowe’s and AutoZone as it continues to raise money and make a move. The report stated an exit fee from the American is expected to be at least $25 million.

If Memphis gets its wish, it would leave the American with 13 teams. Meanwhile, the Big 12 would bolster its conference size to 17 programs.

Conference Realignment Tracker

In case you need a quick refresher on the conference realignment coming over the next few years, here’s what’s ahead for FBS movement.

2025 Conference Realignment

• Delaware and Missouri State are transitioning from the FCS to conference USA.
• UMass is transitioning from its independent status to the MAC.

2026 Conference Realignment

• Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State and Utah State are leaving the Mountain West for the Pac-12.
• Texas State is leaving the Sun Belt for the Pac-12.
• Northern Illinois is leaving the MAC for the Mountain West.
• UTEP is leaving Conference USA for the Mountain West.

Year TBA Conference Realignment

• Louisiana Tech is leaving Conference USA to the Sun Belt no later than July 1, 2027.