Big East Makes Changes
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) — The Big East Conference made one big change Monday night and more could be on the way.
Several reports state that Big East presidents have agreed to double the conference's exit fee from $5 million to $10 million in order to preserve the conference's stability. CBSSports.com reports the raise in exit fee should increase the interests of Navy and Air Force to join the conference. Both are looking for a long-term commitment from current Big East member schools.
The Big East is also reportedly targeting Boise State, UCF, Houston and SMU to potentially expand to a 12-team league. Boise State is being targeted as a football-only member, while the others would be added as all-sports members.
Something that could get in the way of the Big East's plans is last night's report that Missouri's departure to the Southeastern Conference is "inevitable and imminent." If so, that makes West Virginia and Louisville — two current Big East members — top targets to replace Missouri in the Big 12.
If Missouri were to leave for the SEC and West Virginia and/or Louisville moved to the Big 12, CBSSports.com reports Temple and East Carolina would likely be the next two targets to join the Big East.
Big East commissioner John Marinatto has scheduled a teleconference with the media for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday to likely address the raise in exit fee and conference expansion.
