HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall, Outdated Dominion and Southern Mississippi introduced Friday that they plan to finish their affiliations with Convention USA a 12 months early with a purpose to be part of the Solar Belt.

The three colleges issued separate however comparable statements, saying they’ll cease taking part in Convention USA efficient June 30, 2022, after contemplating “one of the best pursuits” of their respective colleges, followers and athletes. Within the fall, they’d introduced they’d be becoming a member of the Solar Belt by July 2023, together with FCS powerhouse James Madison.

Marshall, Outdated Dominion and Southern Miss first instructed the C-USA in December of their intentions to not take part after the present college 12 months. They wished to make sure an amicable separation and that the remaining C-USA members had full and aggressive schedules for the sports activities by which the departing colleges competed.

Nonetheless, the colleges stated the league refused to debate a decision with them.

“Our student-athletes, coaches, workers, fan base and the remaining members of Convention USA are deserving of readability on this matter, thus the necessity for as we speak’s message,” Marshall stated.

Convention USA stated in a press release Friday evening that each one faculty leagues and their members have agreed-upon bylaws and contractual obligations throughout instances of realignment.

“We’ve chosen to not interact publicly, however have communicated with our member establishments and anticipate them to fulfill these obligations,” C-USA stated.

Whereas the Solar Belt is gaining 4 colleges, UT-Arlington is leaving this summer season to return to the Western Athletic Convention.

Six different C-USA colleges introduced final 12 months that they might be leaving for the American Athletic Convention at a date to be decided. After C-USA introduced the addition of 4 new members beginning in 2023, Center Tennessee State and Western Kentucky determined they might stay within the convention.

Marshall, Outdated Dominion, Southern Miss select early C-USA exit initially appeared on NBCSports.com