BOMBSHELL: Big 12 RECONSIDERING ADDING MEMPHIS After LANDMARK No-Risk Clause Is Good Idea After All?
BOMBSHELL: Big 12 RECONSIDERING ADDING MEMPHIS After LANDMARK No-Risk Clause Is Good Idea After All?  
Podcast: Locked On Big 12 | Daily College Football & Basketball Podcast
Published On: Wed Jul 23 2025
Description: While the Big 12 has recently shown disinterest in adding Memphis, despite a highly aggressive and financially substantial proposal, there are indeed arguments for why it would be a smart move for the conference. These arguments often revolve around market penetration, competitive upside, and financial innovation, even if the current conference leadership isn't swayed.Here's why some believe adding Memphis would be a smart play for the Big 12:Massive Financial Incentive & "No-Risk" Proposition: Memphis has made an unprecedented offer, reportedly between $200 million and $250 million in sponsorship commitments from corporate partners like FedEx, Lowe's, and AutoZone. Crucially, they also offered to forgo any revenue distribution from the Big 12 for at least five years. This is presented as a "no-risk" concept: the Big 12 gains significant immediate revenue and corporate partnerships without diluting the existing schools' media rights payouts during the current deal. There was even a reported clause allowing the Big 12 to expel Memphis after 2030 if they weren't adding value.Significant Media Market & Corporate Hub: Memphis is the largest city in Tennessee and a significant media market without an NFL team, meaning college football and basketball hold considerable sway. Its corporate ties, particularly with FedEx (a global logistics giant), offer unique opportunities for conference-wide sponsorships, potentially including naming rights for conference events or even the league itself in the future. This aligns with Commissioner Brett Yormark's stated goal of exploring new revenue streams and global partnerships.Strong Athletic Programs (Basketball & Football):Basketball: Memphis has a rich basketball tradition with a consistently competitive program, a strong fanbase, and plays in an NBA arena (FedExForum). Adding them would undoubtedly bolster the Big 12's already elite basketball conference.Football: While not a consistent national title contender, the football program has achieved significant success in the Group of Five, with multiple 10-win seasons in recent years. They've shown the ability to develop talent and can be a competitive addition to the league. They also play in a former NFL stadium (Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium) which has seen recent renovations.Geographic Bridge & Recruiting Footprint: Adding Memphis would establish a clearer geographic bridge between the western Big 12 schools (like Houston and UCF) and potentially provide a stronger foothold in the Mid-South for recruiting. This region is rich in athletic talent, and having a Big 12 presence there could enhance recruiting for other conference members as well.Setting a Precedent for Future Expansion: Memphis's aggressive financial offer could set a new precedent for how conferences consider expansion. In an era where media rights are paramount, a school willing to "buy its way in" with substantial, guaranteed corporate revenue, rather than relying solely on perceived media value, presents a unique model. While the Big 12 has rejected it for now, the innovative nature of the proposal might be something that future "Power" conferences consider if the landscape continues to evolve towards a Super League model.Despite these potential benefits, the Big 12 has, for now, decided against adding Memphis, citing that the proposal did not garner enough support from the existing member institutions. Their reasoning has been that Memphis was vetted previously when Cincinnati, Houston, UCF, and BYU were added, and not much has changed to make them a more attractive addition now, at least from the perspective of their current valuation.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at www.monarchmoney.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year.FanDuelRight now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.