Irving – October 12, 2026 -- The American Conference Board of Directors voted unanimously to admit James Madison University (JMU) as a full member, with competition to begin no later than July 1, 2028. The deal adds media inventory to the conference's existing platform and raises distributions for current members.
Six-part review preceded the vote
JMU submitted a formal written application, after which the conference ran a due diligence process covering six areas: institutional and academic alignment; competitive strength and trajectory; institutional investment; financial sustainability and member value; brand, media value and fan engagement; and geography and operational fit. The conference also commissioned a quantitative media-value study examining market characteristics, audience performance, fan engagement and competitive performance.
Financial terms favor existing members
The additional media inventory tied to JMU's membership expands the conference's current media platform, which includes partnerships with ESPN and CBS Sports. A foundational ESPN agreement runs through the 2033-34 academic year. Current members' distributions will be enhanced, according to the conference, and the structure is designed to protect the value of existing membership.
JMU has made what the conference calls a significant financial and commercial commitment to joining and investing alongside members. No dollar figures were disclosed.
JMU brings Mid-Atlantic reach
The conference cites JMU's national brand growth, competitive performance and fan engagement, plus reach across Virginia, Washington, D.C. and the Mid-Atlantic states. Commissioner Tim Pernetti said the conference is "a destination" and that JMU's trajectory aligns with its direction. He credited presidents, chancellors and athletics directors for the unanimous result.