The University of Memphis has decided to move to the Big East for all sports and will begin competing in the conference during the 2013-14 academic year, the Big East announced on Wednesday.
The addition brings the conference to 12 football members, and the conference will have 17 full members.
"Over the past decade, the University of Memphis has demonstrated an unwavering commitment of competing at the highest level in college sports," Big East commissioner John Marinatto said according to a press release. "The University has positioned itself for long-term success by upgrading facilities and investing wisely in various areas of the athletic department including coaching and administration. We are confident that the addition of this outstanding athletics program located in a top 50 media market and in the heart of the nation's largest conference footprint will further propel the BIG EAST and the University of Memphis to even greater levels of success in the future."
"It is with great pleasure that we officially welcome the University of Memphis to the BIG EAST Conference," said University of South Florida president Judy Genshaft, who also serves as the chair of the Big East board of directors. "Our Board was very impressed with the University, its ongoing commitment to academic and athletic excellence, as well as its strong community support. We are excited about renewing old relationships, starting new ones and look forward to working together with President Raines and her team in the future."
Memphis was extended an invitation to join the conference after a unanimous vote by Big East presidents.
For a complete recap of the Big East's expansion plans, check out the SB Nation New York StoryStream. For more on the Big East Conference, visit the SB Nation blog Big East Coast Bias.