Loyola leaving Missouri Valley Conference for Atlantic 10. Report says MVC hopes to expand

[Coach Andy Mac]

The first big blow to the Missouri Valley Conference in the recent conference realignment shift has taken place and Loyola Chicago is headed out the door. 

After nine years in the Valley, the Ramblers will move to the Atlantic 10 Conference starting in July.

The move comes with the Valley set to add Belmont University before the 2022 season.

Matt Norlander of CBS Sports reported the Missouri Valley Conference is now "ambitiously pursuing a plan to add multiple schools" while citing sources. The three schools in the mix are reportedly Murray State, UT Arlington and Kansas City — with Murray State and UT Arlington being the two strongest candidates.

"In its 115-year history, the Missouri Valley Conference has undergone many changes in membership," MVC Commissioner Jeff Jackson said in a statement. "The Valley will continue to remain proactive and progressive as we navigate the current collegiate environment. 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."

read more:  https://amp.news-leader.com/amp/8641435002

[untbowler]

to bad this was not a few months back.

Central Arkansas would be the perfect fit. 

Not sure I see UT-Arlington leaving Sun Belt, Ohio Valley would be in trouble if Murray St leaves, having already lost 3 schools to ASUN and WAC/CUSA

[wardly]

Rumor has it that the SBC would like UTA and UALR to move on. It would be a big boost to UTA if they were invited to the MVC.

[El Paso Eagle]

[Texas Stranger]

SBC going to football-mandatory.  UTA and UALR need new homes.  I think both would be a fit in MVC