Pac-12 Expansion: Will Memphis Join?

The Pac-12 expansion has been a hot topic in college sports for a while now, and with the recent departures of several key teams, the conference is looking to rebuild and remain competitive. One of the schools frequently mentioned in expansion discussions is the University of Memphis. So, will Memphis become part of the Pac-12? Let's dive into the details and explore the possibilities.

The Pac-12's Current Situation

First off, let's address the elephant in the room: the Pac-12 has been through some major changes. The departures of powerhouses like USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington have left the conference in a vulnerable position. These schools brought significant revenue and prestige, and their exit has forced the Pac-12 to consider its options for survival and future growth. To remain relevant in the college sports landscape, the Pac-12 needs to attract new members who can bring value, both in terms of athletic performance and media market appeal.

So, why is expansion so crucial? Well, with fewer teams, the conference's media rights deals are worth less, and its overall competitiveness is threatened. Adding new members can help offset these losses by increasing the conference's footprint and bringing in new fan bases. This is where schools like Memphis come into the picture.

Why Memphis? The Pros

Memphis offers several attractive qualities that could make it a valuable addition to the Pac-12. First and foremost, Memphis is located in a strong media market. The city has a large population and a passionate sports fan base, which could help boost the Pac-12's television ratings and advertising revenue. This is a crucial factor for any conference looking to expand its reach and increase its financial stability.

Secondly, Memphis has a growing athletic program. The men's basketball team, in particular, has a strong national profile and a history of success. Under the leadership of coach Penny Hardaway, the program has attracted top recruits and generated significant buzz. While football hasn't reached the same level of prominence, there's potential for growth with the right investments and leadership. A successful football program is essential for any conference hoping to compete at the highest level, so Memphis's potential in this area is definitely a plus.

Third, Memphis brings diversity to the Pac-12. Geographically, the university is located in the Southeast, which would expand the conference's presence beyond its traditional West Coast base. This could help the Pac-12 attract new fans and recruits from different parts of the country. In a world where national reach is increasingly important, this geographic diversity could be a significant advantage.

The Cons and Challenges for Memphis

Of course, adding Memphis to the Pac-12 isn't without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is the current state of the football program. While there's potential for growth, the team hasn't consistently performed at a high level. The Pac-12 is known for its strong football programs, and Memphis would need to invest heavily in its football infrastructure to compete with the likes of Oregon, Washington, and other established teams. This would require a significant financial commitment from the university and its boosters.

Another challenge is the academic profile of the university. The Pac-12 is known for its strong academic institutions, and Memphis would need to demonstrate that it meets the conference's academic standards. This includes factors like graduation rates, research funding, and faculty qualifications. While Memphis has made progress in these areas, it still has work to do to catch up with the academic powerhouses in the Pac-12.

Finally, there's the issue of conference affiliation. Memphis is currently a member of the American Athletic Conference (AAC). Leaving the AAC to join the Pac-12 would require navigating complex contractual obligations and potentially paying an exit fee. This could be a significant financial burden for the university, and it's something that would need to be carefully considered before making a decision.

The Competition: Other Schools in the Mix

Memphis isn't the only school vying for a spot in the Pac-12. Several other universities are also being considered, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Schools like San Diego State, SMU, and Boise State have all been mentioned as potential candidates. San Diego State offers a strong media market and a growing athletic program, while SMU brings a wealthy donor base and a history of success in football. Boise State has a consistent football program.

Each of these schools presents a unique case for inclusion in the Pac-12, and the conference will need to carefully weigh the pros and cons of each option before making a decision. The ultimate decision will likely come down to a combination of factors, including media market appeal, athletic performance, academic reputation, and financial stability.

What Memphis Needs to Do

So, what can Memphis do to improve its chances of joining the Pac-12? First, the university needs to continue investing in its football program. This includes hiring a top-notch coaching staff, upgrading facilities, and increasing recruiting efforts. A successful football program would not only make Memphis more attractive to the Pac-12 but also generate more revenue and fan support.

Second, Memphis needs to focus on improving its academic profile. This includes increasing research funding, attracting top faculty, and improving graduation rates. The university should also highlight its academic strengths and showcase its commitment to providing a high-quality education.

Third, Memphis needs to actively market itself to the Pac-12. This includes making a strong case for why the university would be a valuable addition to the conference and demonstrating its commitment to meeting the conference's standards. Memphis should also leverage its connections and relationships to build support for its candidacy.

The Impact on Memphis and the Pac-12

If Memphis were to join the Pac-12, the impact would be significant for both the university and the conference. For Memphis, joining the Pac-12 would provide access to greater resources, increased media exposure, and a higher level of competition. This could help the university attract top recruits, improve its athletic programs, and enhance its overall reputation.

For the Pac-12, adding Memphis would bring a new media market, a growing athletic program, and geographic diversity. This could help the conference increase its revenue, expand its fan base, and strengthen its position in the college sports landscape. However, the Pac-12 would also need to invest in Memphis to help it compete with the conference's established programs.

Final Thoughts: Will Memphis Get the Call?

The question of whether Memphis will join the Pac-12 remains unanswered. The university has a lot to offer, but it also faces some significant challenges. Ultimately, the decision will come down to whether the Pac-12 believes that Memphis can bring enough value to justify its inclusion.

As a final thought, the potential addition of Memphis to the Pac-12 highlights the ongoing changes and challenges in college sports. Conferences are constantly evolving, and schools are always looking for ways to improve their position. The future of the Pac-12 is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the conference needs to make smart decisions to ensure its long-term survival and success. Whether Memphis will be part of that future remains to be seen, but the possibility is certainly an intriguing one.