Louisiana Tech’s 13-year relationship with Conference USA is winding down, as the Bulldogs are gearing up to join the Sun Belt on July 1st. Athletic Director Ryan Ivey says returning to having in-state rivals and other conference foes nearby is a big deal for the athletic department.
“The opportunity to renew old rivalries is really important. The opportunity to get back to regionalization is really important to us, from a travel standpoint, from student-athlete health and well-being standpoint and, certainly, from a financial standpoint as well,” Ivey explained.
Ivey says the fan base is energized by the move from Conference USA to the Sun Belt, especially the older fans.
“A lot of the older conversations, in talking about the previous matchups with old NLU and old USL and just all of the oldcomers, and those folks are coming back,” Ivey said.
It’s been reported that Tech paid at least $8 million to end its relationship with Conference USA. Financial terms have not been released, but Ivey says financially it’s a good move, as travel costs will be reduced.
“In five years or so, we’re going to save $6 million to $7 million. We’re going to have increased revenues over that five-year period, from $5 million to $7 million. It’s a $6 million annual economic impact to the state. Yes, it cost us money to get out of it, we understand that; but the opportunity for the future, and what we have, is certainly going to be a net positive,” Ivey said.
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