‘No merit’ to reports of VCU move to American

According to recent reports, it has been speculated that VCU is in discussions with the American Athletic Conference (AAC) regarding the possibility of joining as a basketball-only member. However, VCU’s vice president and director of athletics, Ed McLaughlin, has dismissed these claims, stating that they hold no merit. The initial report from Hitmen Hoops Media suggested that VCU would join the AAC as a non-football school, meaning that all other sports teams would also make the transition alongside the basketball team. Currently, the University of Memphis is a member of the American while VCU has been a part of the Atlantic 10 Conference since 2012.

Although the talks between VCU and the AAC have been ongoing for several weeks, they gained momentum after Army joined the conference as a football-only member starting in 2024. McLaughlin expressed understanding as to why other conferences would be interested in bringing VCU on board due to their championship success and national brand, but reaffirmed that the university will continue to monitor the landscape of conference realignment.

During their first season in the A-10, VCU saw the conference secure five NCAA tournament bids in men’s basketball. The following year, six teams from the A-10 made it to the tournament, a record for a conference that had consistently fielded multiple NCAA tournament programs since the 1980s. However, the conference’s performance in recent years has declined, resulting in speculation that VCU may be seeking a basketball conference that offers more upward potential.

It is worth noting that VCU’s new coach, Ryan Odom, has a contract which includes a clause regarding the possibility of a move to a conference that would provide increased funds for the program. McLaughlin addressed this clause in a statement, highlighting the necessity of including it in coaches’ contracts in light of the rapidly changing landscape of college athletics and conference affiliations.

The Big East has often been mentioned as a potential destination for VCU, considering its geographic proximity and the fact that it consists mostly of former mid-major programs that have successfully made the jump to a higher level of competition. However, the Big East primarily comprises private Catholic institutions, with Butler and UConn being the exceptions. Reports suggest that UConn is currently considering a move to the Big 12, which would leave an opportunity for VCU to potentially fill.

Recent developments have also brought the American into the conversation, as UConn left the conference in 2020 to join the Big East. While there may be logistical challenges associated with joining the American, such as increased travel, there are also competitive advantages, with teams like Florida Atlantic ranked in the AP Top 25 preseason poll.

Ultimately, VCU will continue to assess the situation and monitor the national landscape of conference realignment. If the university decides to make a move, it will carefully consider potential partners that align with its goals and aspirations.

Reference

Laura Davis

Laura Davis covers the world of basketball with precision. Her articles explore NBA and college basketball, offering game analysis, player profiles, and highlights. Laura’s passion for hoops is evident in her comprehensive basketball coverage.