PROVIDENCE, R.I., April 2 (UPI) -- The Tulsa Golden Hurricane will leave Conference USA and join the new Big East Conference, the new league announced Tuesday.
The move will become effective July 1, 2014. Tulsa joins C-USA members Central Florida, East Carolina, Memphis, Southern Methodist and Tulane in moving to the new Big East alignment.
Remaining in the Big East are Connecticut, Cincinnati, South Florida and Temple.
The co-called Catholic 7 Big East members left the conference, but in a deal get to keep the Big East name. That left the remaining members in search of new competitors and a new name.
"The addition of The University of Tulsa marks another significant step in building a strong conference," said Big East Commissioner Mike Aresco.
"In common with our member schools, Tulsa brings a rich academic profile, outstanding and storied athletic programs and a devoted fan base. Under the leadership of President Steadman Upham, the university will be a valued member of our conference and will make us even more competitive across the collegiate landscape."
The new conference is to soon select a name and will have 11 all-sports members in place for the 2014-15 academic year. Navy is to join the group as a football-only member in 2015.
