In a recent press meeting held in Charlotte, North Carolina, the American Conference commissioner, Tim Pernetti, addressed the unfolding situation regarding the University of Memphis and its ambition to transition to the Big 12 Conference. Pernetti commended Memphis for its ambition, despite the schoolโs attempt to join the Power Four being declined. Reports have indicated that the Big 12 board did not approve the Tigersโ proposal to become part of the league, as shared by Yahoo Sports.
As a result, Memphis will maintain its position within the American Conference, which has recently been renamed, for the foreseeable future. Pernetti shared that the schoolโs president, Bill Hardgrave, along with their athletic director, Ed Scott, kept him apprised of their intentions starting last August, maintaining an open line of communication.
During the conferenceโs media days, hosted at the Charlotte Conventions Center, Pernetti reflected on the discussions, noting, โWeโve had very transparent conversations for a year about whatโs happening, and I understand Memphisโ ambition. I think other schools have that ambition. I admire their ambition.โ He refrained from naming other institutions that may share a similar desire to leave the conference but emphasized the importance of ambition.
Pernetti brings prior experience from his time as an athletic director at Rutgers, where he oversaw the schoolโs transition to the Big Ten. โYour job is to do what you think is best for your school,โ Pernetti stated. He acknowledged Memphis for its bold approach and assured that the current developments come as no surprise. Pernetti emphasized that the conference is focusing on building resilient programs and preparing for such challenges. The commissioner expressed satisfaction in the transparent operations maintained by member schools.
Memphis had previously released a statement acknowledging the discussions about their possible inclusion in the Big 12. Although these efforts did not succeed, the university emphasized its continuing strength and commitment to enhancing their national standing. Despite not having clinched the American Conference football title since 2019, Memphis concluded last season strong with an 11-2 record and a 24th place finish in the AP Top 25 rankings.
Regarding potential expansions of the American Conference, Pernetti indicated his openness to the idea, provided that any new additions align well with the leagueโs values. Emphasizing that expansion must be driven by more than financial gain, he said, โIf thereโs an opportunity for the American that brings incremental value to the league, naturally itโs worth exploring, but expansion canโt just be about money, itโs got to be about alignment. You have to find the right partnership, so weโre very, very thoughtful about all of those conversations.โ Pernetti stressed his intent not to dilute the conference financially simply for expansion.
In conclusion, he remarked on the possibility of broadening membership, aiming for opportunities that enhance the leagueโs profile, innovation, and alignment, expressing readiness to explore fitting partnerships in the future.