Big 12 declines Memphis?

Huskers+123

Sophomore
Dec 6, 2024
164
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On one hand, they were offering a lot in terms of money: $200 million + agreeing to forego conference distributions for 5 years.

On the other hand, it's Memphis.
(although it would have made a strong basketball conference even stronger)
 

tmcats

Sophomore
May 29, 2001
34,527
199
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memphis would be a pain for the league's tv partners. i'm sure fox and espn said nada to the idea. they bring a small audience. espn plus fodder at best.

and although $250 million seems like a lot of money, divided by sixteen members and five years, it's not - maybe 2-3% of member schools' annual budget.

it was reported last night on 365 sports that memphis wasn't even fifth on the b12's expansion list when ucf, cincy, uh, and byu entered - my guess that was tulane.
 

skin-tight

Junior
Jul 1, 2025
450
391
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crime rate is the highest in the country. it would have put all teams and traveling fans in grave danger.
 

Kakdawg

Heisman
Sep 8, 2004
35,377
15,512
113
I went to the NCAA tournament in 24 in Memphis to watch the Huskers . Did not have any trouble. Beale street had plenty of security.

I went to the NCAA tournament in 24 in Memphis to watch the Huskers . Did not have any trouble. Beale street had plenty of security.

Memphis is like a lot of big cities. You have to know where to and more importantly where NOT to go. As you said if you are spending your time on Beale street you most likely will be just fine. But there are several areas of Memphis that's simply not for people NOT from Memphis. Went there for my 50th birthday and had a ball. But actually ended up in one of those areas looking for soul food. Long story short I ended up fine and it was OK. But I also look a lot different than most and kinda grew up in similar environments. Memphis outside of Beale street and a couple other spots would likely be a tough hang for most on this site.


Holla
 

Big bo fan

All-American
Jan 8, 2019
19,101
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Memphis is like a lot of big cities. You have to know where to and more importantly where NOT to go. As you said if you are spending your time on Beale street you most likely will be just fine. But there are several areas of Memphis that's simply not for people NOT from Memphis. Went there for my 50th birthday and had a ball. But actually ended up in one of those areas looking for soul food. Long story short I ended up fine and it was OK. But I also look a lot different than most and kinda grew up in similar environments. Memphis outside of Beale street and a couple other spots would likely be a tough hang for most on this site.


Holla
Absolutely I have a friend whose company is Headquartered in Memphis. We were texting him on places to go and ask about a gentleman’s club in the area . He said honestly there are probably some but he advised us not to get off Beale other than going back to our hotel.we stayed at tje Peabody just off Beale .
 
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Nuts McClanahan

All-Conference
Jul 3, 2022
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But I also look a lot different than most and kinda grew up in similar environments. Memphis outside of Beale street and a couple other spots would likely be a tough hang for most on this site.

Holla
So you're saying that addle minded white, old, bald men would stand out in the crowd?
 
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Charlie Marlow

All-Conference
May 6, 2022
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Louisville begged the Big 12 to add them years ago. Big 12 turned them down and so they went on to do okay for themselves in the ACC.
 

tmcats

Sophomore
May 29, 2001
34,527
199
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Louisville begged the Big 12 to add them years ago. Big 12 turned them down and so they went on to do okay for themselves in the ACC.
never understood taking wvu over louisville. i believe politics came to play with that choice. wvu belonged in the acc where "the ville" ultimately landed.
 

jedimasterjed

All-Conference
Feb 14, 2013
5,876
4,440
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The big 12 is a weak conference, it's the reason iowa state is good, almost 7 guaranteed wins a year