Creighton Universityis joining the new Big East Conference as of July first.
Big East officials announced Wednesday morning that Creighton, Xavier, and Butler will join seven other teams in the new conference. Creighton, who plays Friday in the first round of the NCAA tournament, is currently a member of the Missouri Valley Conference.
Creighton President Father Timothy Lannon says the move to the Big East benefits the University more than just athletically.
"This is a tremendous step for Creighton University. It’s a bold ambition indeed. Athletic conference participation goes beyond the courts and playing fields. We see an opportunity for greatness, and we believe this new affiliation will increase the presence of the university through increased media exposure, improve our ability to recruit exemplary students and faculty, and cultivate philanthropic opportunities."
Creighton joined the Missouri Valley Conference in 1977. Their conference opponents in the new Big East include Georgetown, Seton Hall, Villanova, and Marquette.
The new Big East will play its conference games at Madison Square Garden.