BIG EAST Conference, Notre Dame Announce Departure

PROVIDENCE – BIG EAST Conference Commissioner Mike Aresco today announced that a definitive agreement has been reached that will provide for Notre Dame’s departure from the BIG EAST Conference effective on July 1, 2013.

The agreement was reached through amicable and mutually respectful discussions between the BIG EAST Conference and Notre Dame.

“This decision makes sense for the BIG EAST,” said Aresco.  “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."

“From the time of our decision to join the ACC we have stressed our commitment to ensuring that our departure was achieved in a collegial manner,” Notre Dame vice president and director of athletics Jack Swarbrick said.  “This agreement realizes that intention and we are very grateful to the members of the BIG EAST and Commissioner Aresco for helping to facilitate this orderly and timely transition.”