By: Jonathan K. Martin | WV Sports Chat
Who doesn’t love conference realignment news?
While things have been quiet on the conference moving and shaking front of late, a bombshell report on Monday spiced the conversation back up.
The University of Memphis has put forth a staggering $200 million offer to join the Big 12 Conference, according to sources cited by Yahoo Sports and reported by Ross Dellenger.
This proposal, unveiled as Big 12 presidents convened to discuss its merits, marks one of the most lucrative membership bids in the history of college sports. Likely backed by major corporate donors like FedEx and Lowe’s, Memphis has the financial firepower to make a play in realignment.
Behind this bid lies over a year of relentless effort by Memphis President Bill Hardgrave, reports Dellenger. Since mid-2023, Hardgrave has conducted individual on-campus meetings with more than half of the Big 12’s presidents and athletic administrators, culminating in a formalized proposal circulated in recent days.
The proposal’s reception, however, remains uncertain. Dellenger’s follow-up posts indicate that the Big 12 lacks the necessary 12-of-16 presidential support to advance the expansion, with meetings underway.
