Memphis Basketball’s Bold Move Against Kansas in Revenue Battle Sparks Fierce Rivalry Rumors
When it comes to leveling the playing field in college sports, Memphis is making moves that demand your attention. Athletic director Ed Scott isn’t shy about throwing down the gauntlet, declaring Memphis’ revenue sharing competitive with the big boys—yes, even the power conference giants in men’s basketball and beyond. I mean, Kansas expects to dish out $4.5 to $5.5 million in basketball alone, and Scott confidently claims Memphis is in the same ballpark, maybe even with a heftier football budget. Now, details on exact revenue splits? Scott’s playing it close to the vest—smart move—but what’s clear is that Memphis is positioning itself at the forefront of the Group of Six, ready to challenge the Power Four’s dominance. With fresh renovations set for Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium and a new era of NIL regulations kicking in July, this isn’t just talk. It’s a strategic blueprint that could reshape college athletics stability… if the enforcement side plays its part. Trust me, this story’s got layers, and it’s just picking up steam. LEARN MORE
Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at [email protected] or on X @thejonahdylan.“If Kansas’ number is right and that’s an accurate number, we’re very competitive with Kansas in men’s basketball,” Scott said June 20. “So for all those who think we’re not competing in men’s basketball, I’m here to set that record straight. And we have more money in football than we have in basketball.”Scott declined to go into specifics about how much money Memphis would share with its athletes or how the money would be divided up between different programs. Starting July 1, schools can share up to .5 million per year with athletes.
Memphis athletic director Ed Scott said he expects the Tigers‘ revenue sharing will be competitive with power conference teams in men’s basketball and other sports.
He said he did not want to give out a specific revenue sharing number because it would help other schools compete against Memphis.”I’m cautiously optimistic that it will stabilize things for a while,” Scott said. “The key is going to be the enforcement on the other side. If we can regulate the .5 million on the rev share, there’s got to be some enforcement on the other side.”
“The only reason I’m not giving out the number is because it’s proprietary,” he said. “Once I give out the number, people are going to benchmark against us. And I don’t need them doing that. That’s not what I’m about.”Revenue sharing will also mean a new role for collectives at most schools. While they’ll still play major roles at some power conference schools that will spend above the .5 million, smaller schools that aren’t at the cap won’t have the same need for collectives to pay players. Scott said Memphis plans to bring that in-house and will likely dissolve the collectives currently operating around the program.
“My job has been to continue to move us at the front of the Group of Six, if you will, and make sure we can continue to compete with the Power Four,” Scott said. “And I can say, with my team in here confidently, we’ve been able to do that.”Kansas athletic director Travis Goff told the Kansas City Star last weekend that he expects to spend .5-.5 million on its men’s basketball program. Speaking at an event to unveil new plans for Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium renovations, Scott publicly addressed the House settlement for the first time since it was approved.
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