Memphis is so desperate.
- Thread starter Gunnerclone
- Start date
Hard to blame them. I'd be a no at this point (as it sounds like the Big 12 AD's are), because you have to take a long term view on it. If you lose more over the course of the next 20 years than you gain by taking it now, why would you do it?
Trying to pull an SMU. I could see Yormark listening if he could get UConn to pair with them (not saying that's a good move or not, just knowing how he covets UConn basketball)
My somewhat over brainy thinking says this is not totally unexpected. IF (and yes, it's a big IF), measure are taken to cap spending, then this is the absolute smartest move to 'buy in' to the big boys table. Because again 'IF' caps are implemented, the dark market will be the only place for this type of spending to have any influence. I'd love to be a fly on the wall over at Memphis cause I think they know something.
Does adding Memphis make it more difficult to absorb some of the ACC if and when it falls apart?
Does adding Memphis provide more stability for the league?
Does adding Memphis provide more stability for the league?
Memphis is sticking $220 million into the Liberty Bowl to fix their stadium. That isn't nothing. Plus, Tennessee is one of the fastest-growing states in the country. While the academics aren't great, this is about athletics, and this could be a good addition with the consistent backing of FedEx. Ross Dellengers report states that they "subject itself to expulsion after 2030 if the Big 12 does not deem the school is adding value." I don't know what the right answer is, but I am glad they are listening with a $200 million offer on the table. Seems less risky than locking yourself into private equity.
Can't blame them for trying and theyve been trying for years now.
Honestly its a smart move by them.
Honestly its a smart move by them.
I don't know how to measure this anymore. There used to be some desire to stick with like (quality) institutions. Not sure this matters a single bit anymore. Money and only money matter. If this locale is poised to make money over some former ACC that might trend downward absent old rivalries, then they deserve attention. Sad truth of the era we are in. ROI only.
From the article:
"Memphis’ proposal is described as a “no-risk” concept, according to some in the Big 12, and it also sets a standard, perhaps, of expansion fees to enter a league. The school would: take zero distribution for the final five years of the league’s new television deal with ESPN and FOX; add the sponsorships in excess of $150 million over five years; and subject itself to expulsion after 2030-31 if Big 12 deems it is not adding value."
I have to admit admiring Memphis for gambling on itself if this is true.
"Memphis’ proposal is described as a “no-risk” concept, according to some in the Big 12, and it also sets a standard, perhaps, of expansion fees to enter a league. The school would: take zero distribution for the final five years of the league’s new television deal with ESPN and FOX; add the sponsorships in excess of $150 million over five years; and subject itself to expulsion after 2030-31 if Big 12 deems it is not adding value."
I have to admit admiring Memphis for gambling on itself if this is true.
That seems like a no lose option for the Conference.
So, each current Big 12 school would get about $10 - 12 million? That's pretty meaningless. TTU spends more than that just to get a football team. The money is almost irrelevant; it's really just a matter of is this a program that adds to the conference in a positive way? To be honest, Memphis could probably be competitive in at least football and MBB. Not sure about anything else.
Of course, if you add memphis, you have to add another or the 9 game conference schedule doesn't work (and if you reduce to 8 you lose that tv inventory which costs money) so memphis's payment has to cover the dilution of the pot that would bring. Plus you water down the product even more. We already have a few schools on or above memphis's level that are really only in the league because they added necessary stability at the time (if the pac-12 schools had been available those may very well have been the only 4 additions)
