College Sports | FAU Owls | Featured Stories | Sports News

By Kyle Spinner |

FAU accepts invite to join American Athletic Conference

FAU_ShowGraphic3

Florida Atlantic has accepted an invite to join the American Athletic Conference, the school announced.

“Florida Atlantic University is proud to be one of the newest members of the American Athletic Conference. As we enter a new era of academic and athletic excellence, the university – and especially our student-athletes – will benefit greatly from the additional resources and exposure afforded by membership in a Power 6 conference,” President John Kelly said. “I am very proud of our accomplishments as a member of Conference USA and I look forward to continuing our tradition of Winning in Paradise with The American.” The American’s partnership with ESPN’s family of networks includes 40 conference-controlled football games and 60 conference-controlled men’s basketball games airing on ESPN linear outlets per year. “This is a great day for Florida Atlantic University. Membership in The American means more expansive media coverage, additional support for our student-athletes, and exciting new rivalries,” FAU Board of Trustees Chair Abdol Moabery said. “We have enjoyed and will continue to enjoy our time in Conference USA and we’re proud of our many awards and accolades, including championships in multiple sports. I’d like to thank former Commissioner Britton Banowsky and Commissioner Judy MacLeod for their leadership.” FAU along with UAB, Charlotte, North Texas, Rice and UTSA will all join The American at a to be determined date. Current schools in The American, Cincinnati, UCF, and Houston recently accepted a bid to join the Big 12.