The rumors of the Memphis Tigers joining the Pac-12 Conference have gained significant traction recently, signaling a potential game-changing moment for the university’s athletic future. With reports stating that schools such as Boise State, Fresno State, Colorado State, and San Diego State are already on board, the Pac-12 appears determined to reassert itself after two years of intense conference realignment that decimated its ranks. The potential addition of Memphis and Tulane represents a crucial piece in the Pac-12’s strategic resurgence in college athletics.
In this article, we’ll explain why Memphis should seize this opportunity with the Pac-12, focusing on the benefits of increased prestige, revenue growth, and more attractive matchups for football and basketball programs. Memphis cannot afford to wait on possible invitations from the Big 12 or ACC, having been passed over in previous realignment waves. The time for the Tigers to act is now, capitalizing on their current momentum in football and basketball and securing their place in a Power Five—or rather, “Power Four”—league.
The Pac-12: A Path to Prestige and Revenue Growth
For a school like Memphis, the opportunity to join a prestigious conference such as the Pac-12 offers transformative benefits that the AAC cannot match. Despite the Pac-12’s recent losses to the Big Ten and Big 12, the conference remains a highly attractive destination for schools looking to elevate their programs. First, joining the Pac-12 would offer Memphis national recognition. Competing in a Power Five conference has long been the ultimate goal for Group of Five schools like Memphis, as it immediately enhances the prestige and visibility of a program.
Moreover, the financial incentives are hard to ignore. The Pac-12, through its reported new media rights agreements, would offer Memphis a chance to boost its athletic revenue significantly. Though the conference may no longer boast the same income level as the Big Ten or SEC, its media rights deals and bowl tie-ins are still vastly superior to the AAC. Increased television exposure means more lucrative broadcast deals and the potential for larger home crowds, especially when hosting marquee matchups.
Beyond TV contracts, joining the Pac-12 would boost ticket sales, sponsorships, and alum donations. The Tigers’ fanbase is already passionate. However, facing off against schools like Boise State and San Diego State—established football programs with strong followings—would generate even greater excitement at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. The basketball program would also see an uptick in interest, with the Pac-12 featuring historically strong programs that would provide thrilling matchups at home and on the road.
Strengthened Competition and More Attractive Matchups
For years, Memphis has been knocking on the door of major college athletics, with competitive teams in football and basketball that regularly contend for conference titles. However, one thing missing from Memphis’ resume is consistent exposure to top-tier competition. While the AAC has been a solid platform for the Tigers, the ceiling for the competition is lower compared to the Power Five conferences, especially after the departure of UCF, SMU, Cincinnati, and Houston.
By joining the Pac-12, Memphis would immediately gain access to higher-quality opponents, especially in football. Schools like Boise State and Fresno State have national followings and would provide the competition that Memphis needs to elevate its program. Moreover, with Oregon State and Washington State remaining in the conference, Memphis would face programs with a long history in the league and strong football traditions.
The allure of better competition also extends to basketball. The Pac-12 has historically been home to elite basketball programs like Arizona, UCLA (before their departure), and Oregon. The possibility of Memphis facing teams of that caliber regularly could elevate the program to new heights.
Under head coach Penny Hardaway, the Tigers have already been a force in recruiting, and joining a conference like the Pac-12 would only strengthen their national profile. More importantly, these matchups aren’t just attractive for the fans but vital for recruitment. Players want to play against the best competition, and a move to the Pac-12 would give Memphis a leg up in securing top-tier talent. Hardaway’s recruiting prowess would be bolstered by the appeal of playing in a major conference, where athletes can showcase their skills on a national stage more frequently.
Memphis Must Act Now: No Time to Wait for the Big 12 or ACC
Memphis has been left at the altar before, with hopes of joining the Big 12 and ACC falling through during the last two rounds of conference realignment. Despite building a strong case for itself, the Tigers have watched as other programs were chosen over them, leaving the AAC as their current home. While the AAC has been a solid conference for Memphis, it’s becoming increasingly clear that waiting for another Power Four opportunity is no longer viable.
The Pac-12’s offer represents the Tigers’ best and potentially final shot at joining a major conference in the foreseeable future. According to reports, the Big 12 and ACC have shown little interest in expanding further, and recent developments suggest that key schools like Clemson and Florida State may remain in the ACC due to newly proposed revenue-sharing agreements. If Memphis continues to wait, the window for joining a top-tier conference may close permanently.
Memphis has already proven it can compete with Power Five programs in football. The Tigers’ recent victory over Florida State was a statement win, putting them in prime position to potentially represent the Group of Five in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff format. By joining the Pac-12, Memphis could move beyond the Group of Five distinction and secure its place among college football’s elite. The path to the playoff would be clearer, and the potential for long-term success much greater.
The Time is Now for Memphis
Memphis has a unique opportunity in front of it. The chance to join the Pac-12 would elevate the university’s athletic programs in a way that the AAC cannot. Increased revenue, national exposure, and stronger competition await the Tigers in the Pac-12. Memphis has built a strong program that is ready to compete at the highest level, and joining Pac-12 is the next logical step in the school’s journey toward becoming a powerhouse in college athletics.
Waiting for invitations from the Big 12 or ACC has yielded little, and the Tigers cannot afford to miss out on this moment. With momentum on their side, thanks to recent successes in football and basketball, now is the time for Memphis to take a bold step forward. The Pac-12 may have experienced some recent turmoil, but its path to resurgence presents Memphis with an opportunity to grow and thrive. The Tigers should accept the offer to join the Pac-12 and secure their future in the rapidly evolving landscape of college athletics.
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