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Big 12 Rejects Memphis’s $200 Million Sponsorship Bid to Join Conference

Rejected by a supermajority of Big 12 members, Memphis is exploring alternative realignment paths, including a Big East hoops arrangement, a rebuilt Pac-12 slot

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Overview

  • The Big 12 Conference voted down Memphis’s proposal, falling short of the 12 affirmative votes required for admission.
  • Memphis offered a “no-risk” package that would deliver up to $200 million in corporate sponsorships over five years and waive its share of media revenue during that period.
  • The proposal included an exit clause allowing the conference to expel the Tigers after the 2030-31 season if they failed to “add value.”
  • FedEx, Lowe’s and AutoZone had committed to underwriting the sponsorship funds behind Memphis’s bid.
  • After confirming the rejection, Memphis officials said they are now considering a basketball-only move to the Big East and reengagement with the rebuilt Pac-12.