University Officially Announces Move to Big East

Memphis, Tn - In a press conference on Wednesday, University of Memphis President Shirley Raines and Athletic Director RC Johnson officially announced that the University of Memphis would be joining the Big East Conference and leaving Conference USA.

The announcement comes years after the University first tried to join the Big East, hoping the conference change would bring more prestige to their athletic programs.

The Tigers will join the Big East in the 2013-2014 academic year.

The move is expected to mean a much higher profile and more dollars for the struggling football team.

The Tiger basketball team is set to face much stiffer competition in the Big East than they are used to in C-USA conference play, with showdowns with elite schools like Louisville and U-Conn.