Daily Memphian: J&J discuss lease "soon" for FedExForum

Grizzlies, City of Memphis Could Reach New FedExForum Deal in ‘Near Future’

According to a report published Monday, October 12, by Samuel Hardiman of The Daily Memphian, the Memphis Grizzlies and local government officials appear to be moving closer to a new lease agreement that would keep the NBA franchise at FedExForum.

J&J (Jason Smith and John Martin) discussed the report Monday (10/12) on 92.9 FM ESPN. AUDIO:

- A deal could be coming soon: Newly released public documents suggest the Grizzlies and local government could reach a new FedExForum lease agreement in the “near future.”

- Important development Thursday: On October 8, the Memphis and Shelby County Sports Authority approved action involving a Construction Manager at Risk Agreement and a funding agreement.

- Why it matters: The Sports Authority is the public body that officially owns FedExForum, making its actions significant as negotiations continue.

- Renovations remain part of the discussion: Plans to modernize FedExForum have been in the early stages for years, alongside negotiations over the Grizzlies' long-term future at the arena.

- Positive signs for Memphis: The developments offer some of the clearest public indications yet that the Grizzlies intend to remain in Memphis.

- Not finalized: Despite the encouraging developments, a new lease has not been formally announced. Financial terms, the length of a potential agreement and a signing date have not been confirmed in the publicly available portion of the report.

Bottom line: After years of discussions surrounding FedExForum renovations and the team's long-term future, Memphis and the Grizzlies appear to be making meaningful progress toward a new agreement.

Source: The Daily Memphian — Samuel Hardiman, October 12, 2026

NEXT GRIZZLIES GAME: Preseason Game #4 Friday (10/16) at 7:00 p.m. vs. the Charlotte Hornets. Pregame at 6:30 p.m. on 92.9 FM ESPN with Eric Hasseltine and Jessica Benson