Sun Belt Conference Eyes Major Expansion, Vote on Louisiana Tech Expected Monday

NEW ORLEANS, LA (BuzzReport)– The future of the Sun Belt Conference hangs in the balance as its CEOs are set to convene on Monday for a pivotal meeting concerning league expansion. Reliable sources indicate that a primary agenda item will be a vote on extending an official invitation to Louisiana Tech University, a move aimed at bolstering the conference’s ranks.

The potential addition of Louisiana Tech comes as the Sun Belt prepares for the departure of Texas State, which has opted to join the PAC-12 Conference. Should Louisiana Tech accept the invitation, the Sun Belt would maintain its 14-team membership by 2026, allowing its established East and West divisional structure to remain in place. Louisiana Tech’s move would, however, entail a significant $5 million exit fee owed to Conference USA.

Despite the strategic fit, Louisiana Tech has not always been a favorite among Sun Belt fans, reflecting a history of past rivalries and competitive tensions. However, reports suggest that Louisiana Tech has actively engaged in efforts over the past few months to repair any lingering “bad blood” and present itself as a more cooperative potential member.

The upcoming meeting isn’t solely focused on Louisiana Tech. Several East Division schools within the Sun Belt have reportedly expressed reservations about adding a third Louisiana institution, showing a preference for programs like Western Kentucky or Middle Tennessee State, both currently in Conference USA. These programs previously left the Sun Belt for CUSA, only to find themselves at a disadvantage in revenue sharing, estimated at $845,000 annually, significantly less than the up to $2 million they could potentially receive in the Sun Belt.

This meeting could therefore become a watershed moment, determining whether the Sun Belt opts for a targeted expansion with Louisiana Tech or embarks on a more ambitious path to become a “super conference.” The possibility of a larger expansion, incorporating Ohio University, Western Kentucky, Middle Tennessee State, and Louisiana Tech, is reportedly under serious consideration. Such a bold move could generate more rivalries, substantially increase revenue, and create vast new opportunities for television content.

Sources indicate that Western Kentucky, Ohio, and Louisiana Tech have all been in discussions with the Sun Belt Conference in recent weeks. Should the conference proceed with this comprehensive four-team expansion, the divisional alignment would be key. Ohio and Western Kentucky would logically fit into the East Division, while Middle Tennessee State would join Louisiana Tech in the West, creating a robust 17-team league.

The outcomes of Monday’s meeting will be closely watched, as the Sun Belt Conference stands at a pivotal juncture. Whether it opts for a precise, strategic replacement or embarks on a bold expansion to reshape the collegiate landscape, the decisions made will undoubtedly redefine the league’s trajectory for years to come.

At the end of speculation, it seems that SBC has 10 cores needed to move forward with expansion.

We will continue to monitor these developments as they unfold within the Sun Belt Conference.

Potential Sun Belt Conference Divisional Alignment Scenarios (2026)

Scenario: 14 Teams (Texas State out, Louisiana Tech in)

West Division:

Arkansas State, Louisiana Louisiana Monroe, Louisiana Tech, South Alabama, Southern Miss, Troy,

East Division:

Appalachian State, Coastal Carolina, Georgia State, Georgia Southern, Marshall, Old Dominion, James Madison