Conference USA

Conference USA

Conference USA (C-USA) is a collegiate athletic conference whose member institutions are located within the Southern United States. The conference participates in the NCAA's Division I in all sports. Established in 1995, Conference USA has undergone several changes in membership and structure over the years.

History

Conference USA was formed in 1995 through the merger of the Metro Conference and the Great Midwest Conference. The original members included the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the University of Cincinnati, DePaul University, the University of Houston, the University of Louisville, Marquette University, the University of Memphis, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Saint Louis University, the University of Southern Mississippi, Tulane University, and the University of South Florida.

Over the years, Conference USA has seen significant changes in its membership due to the realignment of college athletics. Notable departures include the University of Cincinnati, the University of Louisville, and the University of South Florida, which left for the Big East Conference.

Current Members

As of the 2023-2024 academic year, Conference USA consists of the following member institutions:

• Florida International University
• Louisiana Tech University
• Middle Tennessee State University
• University of North Carolina at Charlotte
• University of Texas at El Paso
• University of Alabama at Birmingham
• University of Southern Mississippi
• Western Kentucky University

Sports

Conference USA sponsors competition in a variety of sports, including but not limited to:

• American football
• Men's basketball
• Women's basketball
• Baseball
• Soccer
• Track and field

The conference is known for its competitive balance and has produced several teams that have competed at high levels in NCAA tournaments.

Governance

The governance of Conference USA is overseen by a Board of Directors, which consists of the presidents of each member institution. The conference office is responsible for the administration of the conference's day-to-day operations, including scheduling, officiating, and compliance with NCAA regulations.

Achievements

Conference USA has achieved notable success in various sports. In men's basketball, the conference has sent multiple teams to the NCAA Tournament, with some advancing to the Sweet 16 and beyond. In football, Conference USA teams have participated in numerous bowl games, showcasing the talent and competitiveness of the conference.

Future Developments

Conference USA continues to adapt to the changing landscape of college athletics. The conference is exploring opportunities for expansion and partnerships to enhance its visibility and competitiveness on a national scale.

Also see

• NCAA Division I
• College athletics in the United States
• American Athletic Conference
• Sun Belt Conference