After two weeks of speculation, the University of Memphis announced its decision to stay in the American Athletic Conference instead of heading to the newly restructured Pac-12.
On September 12, the Pac-12 announced the additions of Boise State, Colorado State, San Diego State, and Fresno State. This came after the Pac-12 was raided by the Big-10 and the ACC a year prior.
Down to two teams, Oregon State and Washington State, the Pac-12 is required to get to at least eight members before 2026 to remain a conference.
After they poached the four previously mentioned teams from the Mountain West, the American Athletic Conference (AAC) immediately became the target.
Memphis, Tulane, and South Florida were the reported teams that the Pac-12 was interested in.
A move to the Pac-12 would have cost Memphis a significant amount of money in the short term. First and foremost, to get out of the AAC, Memphis would've had to pay a buyout figure that, according to various reports, is near $20 million.
Additionally, a move to the Pac-12 would have cost the Tigers an estimated $2 million dollars annually on travel alone.
In the American, Memphis makes around $8 million dollars a year on an ESPN contract that runs through the 2031-32 season.
According to Yahoo's Ross Dellenger, the Pac-12 pitched an estimated $12-15 million dollars a year, but the conference does not have a TV deal in place.
The move to commit to the American maintains Memphis' position as one of the most desirable remaining Group of 5 athletic programs, but there is no guarantee of any further realignment in the near future.
The Atlantic Coast Conference, ACC, figures to be the Tigers ideal landing spot, but that league has remained intact for the time being.
Tulane, South Florida, and UTSA made the decision to stay in the American with the Tigers, so the Pac-12 will have to look for other teams to remain a conference.
For Memphis, the future is out of their control, but winning in the current is essential.
