Universities Plan New Athletic Conference

Representatives from 16 universities met in Dallas Sunday to discuss future conference membership plans. The universities agreed to work on forming a new intercollegiate athletic association that would begin competition in the 2013?14 academic year.

This presidentially led association is meant to ensure stability and be built upon the principles of operating at the highest level of integrity and sportsmanship. The universities hope to enhance the student-athlete academic and competitive experience.

“This is an exciting development that will stabilize the current conferences and create the first truly national conference with members in five time zones and television viewership from coast to coast. This partnership brings together like?minded institutions to improve the integrity and stability of intercollegiate athletics,” said UNLV President Neal Smatresk. “We are moving our plans forward rapidly and expect to complete our conversations in the near future. Look for further announcements soon as we work together on this exciting new venture.”

Universities involved in the discussions were the United States Air Force Academy, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Colorado State University, East Carolina University, Fresno State, University of Hawaii, Marshall University, University of Nevada, Reno, University of New Mexico, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Rice University, University of Southern Mississippi, University of Texas at El Paso, Tulane University, The University of Tulsa and University of Wyoming. With the exception of Hawaii as a football only member, the participation would involve all sports. The structure of the new conference will likely include: Membership of 18 to 24 universities National scope from the Atlantic Seaboard to Hawaii Championship football game format that includes semifinal match?ups Championship basketball tournament Regular season scheduling in divisions NCAA FBS affiliation Mechanisms to emphasize and improve academic standards and fiscal responsibility

The presidents and chancellors will have follow-up meetings over the next six months to fully develop the operational issues essential to the formation of the association.