MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Another gut punch for the University of Memphis when it comes to realignment as even when the Tigers try to buy their way into the Big XII, that conference says thanks but no thanks.

According to Yahoo sports’ Ross Dellenger, Memphis reportedly offered 200 million dollars to join the Big XII. A deal that featured hundreds of millions of dollars in sponsorship money as well as foregoing media rights money for the first five years upon entering the league, which coincides with the five years remaining on the Big XII’s television deal.

The Tigers have made no secret about wanting a spot at the big boy table, a place in a Power 4 conference. So important, in fact, that Dellenger’s report says the Tigers gave the Big XII out clause that would allow the league to boot Memphis from the Big XII after five years if it didn’t add value to the conference.

And still, according to multiple reports, the Tigers offer does not have the league-wide support needed to pass.

Denied again by the Big XII.

The university admitted as much with the U of M  releasing this statement after the story broke, saying in part, “While those discussions did not ultimately move in our favor, our university and Memphis athletics are stronger than ever and we look forward to continuing to strengthen our position nationally.”