Big South Conference Statement on Liberty's Departure
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (www.BigSouthSports.com) – Big South Conference Commissioner Kyle Kallander has issued the following statement regarding Liberty University’s decision to withdraw from the league effective June 30:
“The Big South Conference and Liberty University have had a mutually beneficial partnership for 27 years. Today Liberty has announced that the partnership will be ending.
“Liberty’s decision in 2017 to move its scholarship football program to the Football Bowl Subdivision placed it in violation of the Big South’s Sports Sponsorship Bylaws. While an accommodation for associate membership for the balance of Liberty’s Big South sports was agreed to at that time, Liberty recently requested that this status be reevaluated. After careful consideration, the Council of Chief Executive Officers determined that maintaining Liberty’s associate membership status remained in the best interest of the Conference.
“We wish nothing but the best for Liberty University and its fine student-athletes in the future.”
The Big South Conference will expand to 11 full-time member institutions in 2018-19 with the additions of Hampton University and USC Upstate joining Campbell University, Charleston Southern University, Gardner-Webb University, High Point University, Longwood University, Presbyterian College, Radford University, UNC Asheville and Winthrop University. The Big South also has two associate football members -- Kennesaw State University and Monmouth University, with the University of North Alabama joining in 2019.