In the rapidly changing landscape of college athletics, conference realignment has been highly active in recent years.
Memphis is currently in the American Athletic Conference, echoing memories of their Conference USA days due to recent changes. With further team movements on the horizon, I aim to explore every conceivable scenario for Memphis.
Join the “Pac-4”
Amid the Pac-12’s uncertain future, it has faced a full-scale raid by the BIG 10 and Big-12. The remaining four schools (Cal, Oregon State, Stanford and Washington State) and commissioner George Kliavkoff are currently strategizing how to rebuild. Reports suggest discussions with American Athletic and Mountain West teams for potential expansion.
Pros
Memphis wouldn’t be left behind in the AAC
Higher revenue for TV deal (likely a few million more than it is currently)
Potential Power 5 status
Cons
Games will primarily be on streaming services (Apple TV).
Stanford is actively trying to leave.
Stay in the American
Since 2013, Memphis has been a member of the American Athletic Conference, which has undergone significant transformations.
It is now considered one of the top Group of 5 conferences, with the newcomers set to commence football action in the upcoming weeks.
Pros
TV deal with ESPN
Can win the league in both football and basketball consistently
Cons
Teams could jump ship (SMU, Tulane, etc.)
Group of 5 Status / Competition
Wait for the ACC
Many eyes have shifted to the Atlantic Coast Conference to get teams picked off next.
Many teams have been reported to have been looked at by other conferences such as Clemson, Florida State, Miami and more. As of the current date, the ACC is still one of the top basketball conferences along with being Power 5 in football.
Pros
Power 5 Status
Great fit in basketball
Football doesn’t stick out
Cons
Could be a weaker league upon arrival
Big East
A lasting memory for many Tigers fans is the promotion of Memphis joining the Big East in Times Square. The ‘Catholic 7’ teams later opted to split from the football-playing schools. Fast forward to 2023, and the Big East has reemerged as one of the premier basketball leagues.
Pros
The pros for joining the Big East are obviously all on the basketball end. The TV revenue for the conference is double what the American Athletic is currently at.
The Tigers would also have a tremendous conference slate of games with marquee matchups every week. Lastly, Penny Hardaway and his staff would have more opportunity to recruit the east coast.
Cons
On the other hand, all the cons of joining the Big East reside on the football end.
If Memphis would be able to remain in the AAC for football, then the cons start to disappear. However, if that wasn’t the case, Memphis would unfortunately likely have to go independent in football. UConn deciding to go this route would result in them essentially killing its program.
