Big 12 Reportedly Turns Down Memphis Despite $250M Sponsorship Offer

The Big 12 has made its stance clear.

Despite Memphis reportedly offering a $250 million sponsorship package in an effort to secure an invite, the league is “not interested” in adding the Tigers, according to On3’s Brett McMurphy.

The story, first reported by Yahoo Sports, suggests Memphis was willing to put big money behind its bid to join the Big 12, but it wasn’t enough to move the needle.

The pitch included a plan for FedEx to sponsor the conference and its championship game. It was bold, aggressive, and clearly an attempt to make up ground in the realignment race through financial leverage. But the Big 12, which has spent the past two years crafting its expansion strategy, appears unwilling to let a checkbook dictate its next move.

Memphis has long been viewed as a realignment wild card. Strong basketball tradition, a solid regional footprint, and deep corporate backing give the program a unique pitch. This latest push was the most public and expensive one yet, but it failed to sway decision-makers in the league office.

There’s a message in that decision. While money matters in today’s college landscape, it is not the only thing driving expansion. The Big 12 has shown it values fit, visibility, and long-term upside more than short-term gains. Memphis offering $250 million just to join tells you how far programs are willing to go. The Big 12’s ‘no’ tells you they’re not ready to compromise on their direction.

For now, Memphis remains on the outside. It’s not for lack of trying, and clearly not for lack of funding. But in the Big 12’s eyes, the pitch fell short.