Butler joining the Atlantic 10 immediately, one year ahead of schedule

Earlier this month, Butler officially announced that they were moving up to the Atlantic 10. Now we know when, and it’s sooner than expected.

Butler announced Monday that they will begin competition in the Atlantic 10 Conference this fall, rather than the 2013-14 school year.

“We are grateful to the Atlantic 10 for welcoming us into the fold a year ahead of schedule,” Collier said in a release.  “Since announcing our intention to depart after 2012-13, Butler and the Horizon League have discussed the terms for next season.  Ultimately, it was in our best interest to reach an agreement with the Horizon League for immediate departure.”

When teams change leagues, they usually play one more year in their current situation. For example, Nebraska agreed to join the Big Ten Conference in June of 2010 but they didn’t begin competing until 2011-12.

I like this move for the Bulldogs. The sooner the better. And if you don’t have to wait, don’t. Join immediately.

With the addition of VCU and now Butler, the Atlantic 10 will be a 16-team league in 2012-13. The other schools apart of the conference include:  Charlotte, Dayton, Duquesne, Fordham, George Washington, La Salle, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Richmond, St. Bonaventure, Saint Joseph’s, Saint Louis, Temple and Xavier.

It is expected that Butler will pay about $50,000 to leave the Horizon League.

[Photo via Butler University]

2 Responses to Butler joining the Atlantic 10 immediately, one year ahead of schedule
  1. […] Vigilant Sports […]

Leave a Reply

Wanting to leave an <em>phasis on your comment?

Trackback URL https://vigilantsports.com/butler-joining-the-atlantic-10-immediately-one-year-ahead-of-schedule/trackback/