Memphis, Tulane, USF, UTSA release joint statement on staying in AAC despite Pac-12 interest

Reports surfaced Monday that Memphis, Tulane, and South Florida were officially expected to remain in the American Athletic Conference despite recently exploring joining Pac-12 in expansion. Following the Pac-12 losing 10 programs in the latest round of conference realignment and recently announcing the addition of four Mountain West teams to their league earlier this month.

But no teams from the American Athletic Conference will be making that move as well. As a group of the AAC’s top programs announced their commitment to their conference quickly following those reports. A joint statement that featured UTSA along with the three aforementioned schools made alongside the AAC on Monday that can be seen below.

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We are the American Athletic Conference. pic.twitter.com/nuwCtF0dQz

— The American (@American_Conf) September 23, 2024

“We are the American Athletic Conference,” the statement read. “A conference that prioritizes student-athlete welfare, has proud academic institutions, produces fierce competition at the highest level, and has outstanding linear and direct-to-consumer national media partners. Together, we are committed to continuing to build the American brand, exploring new opportunities for exposure and value, and developing innovative economic resources, all in service of our student-athletes.”

“While we acknowledge receiving interest in our institutions from other conferences, we firmly believe that it is in our individual and collective best interest to uphold our commitment to each other. Together, we will continue to modernize the conference, elevate the student-athlete experience, achieve championship-winning successes, and build the future.”

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According to Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports, Memphis, Tulane, and USF received their proposed terms from Pac-12 on Monday. Which included projected annual revenue numbers between $10 million and $15 million, a five-year Grant of Rights, and only partial coverage of the $25 million fee for leaving the AAC.

Terms that were not enough for the three programs as AAC commissioner Tim Pernetti explores revenue enhancement (including private-equity involvement), new distribution models, and further expansion of the AAC.

The Pac-12’s attempt to further expand its own national footprint was a failed one, but the conference still added Boise State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Colorado State in a move that will be officially effective in 2026. Joining Washington State and Oregon State and remaining two teams short of the eight-team limit required to maintain status as an FBS conference.