Notre Dame will skip its final few awkward years with the Big East and instead make the move to the ACC for next season, the conference confirmed Tuesday morning. SI.com first reported the news on this late Monday night.
That means the Irish would be walking in step with Pittsburgh and Syracuse -- all three programs will get under way this week in their final Big East tournament before shipping off to their new home. Louisville is also on schedule to leave the Big East, but its departure remains further in the future as of now.
"This decision makes sense for the Big East," league commissioner Mike Aresco said in a statement. "In view of Notre Dame's expressed desire to join the ACC on an earlier timetable, the Big East and Notre Dame were able to arrive at an acceptable resolution. The Big East can now focus fully on its future alignment and rebranding efforts. I want to thank the Notre Dame administration and Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick for their efforts in moving toward this orderly transition. Notre Dame has been a valued member of the BIG EAST and we wish them well."
More background, from SI.com's report:
With the ACC’s basketball schedule yet to be completed for next year, the league was able to accommodate the Irish. The economics of Notre Dame’s departure will be similar to the departing Catholic Seven basketball schools, meaning they’ll keep their NCAA basketball units and take a small amount of the Big East reserve fund.
The report also stated -- and was confirmed Tuesday -- Notre Dame is getting similar accommodation as the Catholic 7 schools that are leaving without heavy exit-fee penalties.
As such, the ACC will be the biggest its ever been next year, when 15 teams occupy the conference; Maryland will leave in 2014-15, and Louisville come in to take its place -- again -- as of now.
For more college basketball news, rumors and analysis, follow @EyeOnCBB on Twitter, like us on Facebook and subscribe to the thrice-a-week podcast on iTunes. You can follow Matt Norlander on Twitter here: @MattNorlander.
