Report: Memphis Tigers Offer Big In Attempt To Join Big 12 Conference

SALT LAKE CITY – Memphis is willing to pay big in order to join the Big 12 Conference, according to a report from Ross Dellinger.

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

According to the Yahoo Sports reporter, Memphis made a $200 million offer to enter the conference, which currently houses both the Utah Utes and BYU Cougars.

“For now, it does not have enough support but potentially sets a standard for all future expansion,” reads the post.

While the offer does not seem to have enough support right now, according to the report, league presidents did meet on Monday to discuss the proposal.

“The proposal from Memphis — one of the most aggressive membership propositions in college athletics history — features hundreds of millions of dollars in sponsorship commitments to the Big 12 from UM-affiliated corporate partners, as well as the school eschewing revenue distribution from the league for at least five years,” reads Dellinger’s report.

In the Big 12 Conference, expansions require a super majority vote from the Presidents and Chancellors.

“We vetted Memphis when we added the other four [Cincinnati, UCF, Houston, and BYU] and chose not to add them,” another Big 12 administrator told Yahoo Sports. “What’s changed now?”

Brigham Young University joined the Big 12 in 2023, and the University of Utah joined the conference in 2024 after the Pac-12 Conference of old fell.

With Memphis being passed over in the previous expansion windows and the first year with 16 teams in the rearview, the proposal comes at an interesting time. With that said, the Tigers knew it was a long shot and presented an offer that was described as “no-risk.”

Memphis’ proposal is described as a “no-risk” concept. The school would (1) take zero distribution for 5 years, (2) add, in sponsorships, as much as $3M annually to each Big 12 school’s coffers & (3) subject itself to expulsion after 2030 if Big 12 deems it is not adding value.

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) July 21, 2025

According to Dellenger, Memphis proposed joining the conference without receiving a revenue share for five years, instead contributing its sponsorship revenue to be split among Big 12 members each year. Then, in 2030, the conference would have the option to remove Memphis if it feels the school hasn’t added enough value.

According to reports, Memphis’ president Bill Hardgrave has met with over half of the Big 12’s presidents and athletic administrators. The Tigers have been a member of the American Athletic Conference since 2013.

It’s the ultimate “bet on yourself” proposal, but reports indicate the Big 12 still isn’t moved by the offer. Memphis boasts a strong basketball program and regional presence, but its lack of a notable football brand—combined with the timing and broader conference strategy—suggests the addition may not be the right fit, even with the so-called “no-risk” terms.

If Memphis were added, the Big 12 would sit at 17 teams, potentially requiring another addition to balance the league for scheduling purposes. While Memphis’ overall profile is part of the equation, the complications of operating with an odd number of teams likely play a larger role in the hesitation.

Memphis reporter Jason Munz posted a statement from the university on X after the original reports.

The Commercial Appeal has obtained a statement from the University of Memphis re: today’s Big 12 news.https://t.co/pCw6N2gmMS pic.twitter.com/S0CGbO5l13

— Jason Munz (@munzly) July 21, 2025

The University of Memphis is aware of the recent conversations regarding our potential inclusion in the Big 12. 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.

As noted by Dellenger, the biggest thing to come from this proposal will likely be future implications as schools look to join new conferences.

Memphis may not get into the Big 12, but its bold approach could set a new precedent for how schools pitch themselves in a competitive realignment landscape.

Take us with you, wherever you go.

Download the new & improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. You can stream live radio, video and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams.