James Madison expected to join American Conference after voting to leave Sun Belt.
James Madison · UConnThe school’s Board of Visitors members chose to terminate the school’s Sun Belt membership and apply for admission into the American Conference in a Monday meeting . At that time, sources said the conference was not looking to expand its membership.
[ $19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage ] James Madison, along with Miami (OH) were seeking full membership across sports, while UConn hoped to maintain its Big East ties in basketball while moving its football program to the American. As part of the move from the Sun Belt, JMU has committed to pay more than $20 million in an entrance fee, Yahoo!
“The Dukes have rapidly built a nationally recognized brand through a culture of innovation, investment, bold leadership and competitive success. “JMU’s trajectory aligns with who we are and where we are going.
We look forward to welcoming the entire JMU community to the American and building something special together. Thank you to our highly engaged presidents, chancellors, and athletics directors for their thoughtful and collaborative work that led to a unanimous vote.”
KEY POINTS
- The James Madison Board of Visitors held a meeting Monday to vote on a potential move from the Sun Belt to the American Conference.
- James Madison is expected to join the American Conference no later than July 1, 2028 after voting to leave the Sun Belt, On3's Brett McMurphy reported.
- In September, On3’s Brett McMurphy and Pete Nakos reported that JMU, along with Miami (OH) and UConn were trying to join the American Conference.
- “The American Conference is a destination, and James Madison University represents everything we value and strengthens our membership,” said American Conference commissioner Tim Pernetti in a statement .