The Big 12 Conference’s decision to not extend an invitation to Memphis, despite their persistent efforts, was a strategic move that ultimately benefits both the league as a whole and its existing members, particularly Iowa State. While expansion often brings new markets, this particular rejection underscored a commitment to quality over quantity, solidifying the conference’s post-realignment identity.For the Big 12, declining Memphis helped avoid potential dilution of its competitive and financial strength. The current configuration, strengthened by recent additions like UCF, BYU, Cincinnati, and Houston, has established a clear, geographically cohesive, and competitively robust footprint. Adding Memphis, a program
