$250 million will buy you quite a bit in this world. But it apparently isn't enough to buy you a seat in the Big 12.
Memphis has reportedly made a lucrative, Godfather-like offer to join the Big 12 of $250 million in sponsorship to the league. The Big 12 is evidently not interested, according to Brett McMurphy:
Big 12 “not interested” in adding Memphis despite school offering $250 million in sponsorship to the league, sources told @On3sports. Memphis was trying to buy way into Big 12. Yahoo 1st reported Memphis trying to get Big 12 invite
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) July 21, 2025
Yahoo's Ross Dellenger first reported the news of Memphis attempting to buy its way into the Big 12, but noted that the Tigers "lacked support" for now despite the offer causing the league presidents to get together on Monday to discuss it in a meeting.