Louisiana Tech and the Sun Belt Conference held a press conference in Ruston, officially welcoming the Bulldogs to the conference yesterday. University President Jim Henderson is looking forward the return of heated rivalries for Louisiana sports fans.
“Understand, behind the scenes, the presidents and the athletic directors and the coaches are all working collaboratively to grow and support the Sunbelt Conference on behalf of student-athletes,” Henderson said.
Since missing the May 1st deadline to leave Conference USA next season, officials are negotiating a departure date for the 2026 or 2027 football season. Tech will be the 14th school in one of the premier mid-major conferences. Henderson says this is a significant moment.
“We’ll look back on 10 years from now as a watershed moment. Not just for Louisiana Tech, but for the Sunbelt Conference, for the state of Louisiana, for the regional economy. I dare say for collegiate athletics as a whole,” Henderson said.
Louisiana Tech will owe a Conference USA exit fee of at least $5 million. With lowered costs and increased revenues from Sun Belt West opponents, Henderson says the Bulldogs are committed to returning to their athletic pedigree.
“We are going to be great partners in helping elevate the Sunbelt. We’re going to be great partners to the member institutions. We’re going to compete fiercely, every moment, to win Sunbelt Conference Championships,” Henderson said.
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