Breaking! Loyola Leaving the Valley

Stunning Move Among Other Rumors

(Bloomington-Normal) – A 3:00 p.m. announcement has shocked the Missouri Valley Conference, while a national sports report has come out that the league is courting three other teams. The Ramblers will join the Atlantic Ten Conference and begin play in that not conference during the next school year.

Loyola becomes the 15th team in that league.

Director of Athletics Steve Watson calls the A-10 one of America’s great athletic conferences.

“Making this transition will enhance the experience for our world-class student-athletes, and they, along with our coaches and staff, are thrilled to be joining the Atlantic 10 Conference, which is one of the most prestigious leagues in college athletics,” Watson said. “We are extremely grateful for our time in the Missouri Valley Conference, which has provided a wonderful home for Rambler Athletics for nearly a decade. We also look forward to renewing some rivalries as well as helping build the Loyola brand as a member of the A-10.”

The Missouri Valley Conference office released this statement.

“In its 115-year history, the Missouri Valley Conference has undergone many changes in membership.  The Valley will continue to remain proactive and progressive as we navigate the current collegiate environment” said Commissioner Jeff Jackson.  “Loyola Chicago has been a valued member of the Missouri Valley Conference, and we wish Loyola all the best as it begins its next chapter.”

The Valley Expanding?

In the midst of all this, CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander reports the Valley has been recruiting three other programs.

The Missouri Valley is ambitiously pursuing a plan to add multiple schools, sources told CBS Sports. The three schools in the mix are Murray State, UT Arlington and Kansas City. At this stage, it is expected they will eventually receive invites to join the Valley, with sources telling CBS Sports that Murray State and UT Arlington are considered the two strongest candidates.

I was recently told the league could add anything from no new teams to three new ones, so this report resonates with what I have heard.

College athletics’ realignment epidemic continues. As the A-10 gets stronger, the Valley gets weaker. As the MVC potentially reload with other programs, those conferences get weaker.

I fear the money grab by league after league and program after program will ruin the game we love.

Do Good