More changes are abound for the Big East — the conference UH will join in all sports for the 2013 to 2014 athletic year. Boise State decided not to join the Big East next season and will remain in the Mountain West in all sports, the school announced Monday.
Without Boise State combined with the announcement that the league’s seven Catholic basketball schools — DePaul, Georgetown, Marquette, Providence, St. John’s, Seton Hall and Villanova — will leave the Big East, the future of the Conference’s membership is uncertain.
The UH Athletic Department released a statement on Boise’s departure:
“We are undoubtedly disappointed in the latest conference realignment shuffle. As stated throughout these developments, we will continue to concentrate on the best interests of the University of Houston and its athletics department and focus on the issues we can control,” the athletic department said in a statement. “We are always working towards long-term stability as our brand continues to grow with the help of a very viable market in the City of Houston, the nation’s fourth-largest city, and a great fan base. Combine that with our history of athletic and academic achievements along with the beginning of facility upgrades and we believe we offer a promising and established athletics program.”
Despite never playing a game in the Big East, Boise State is expected to pay a $5 million exit fee.
