Louisiana Tech officially set to join Sun Belt next season

After a dispute with Conference USA, Louisiana Tech is officially set to join the Sun Belt for the 2026-27 academic year.

The Bulldogs accepted an invitation last summer to leave CUSA after 13 years, a move that was slated to occur "no later than" July 1, 2027. However, Louisiana Tech was eying to make that move a year early and join the Sun Belt this summer.

Now, they've reached a settlement with Conference USA to do so. The school announced the agreement in a post on social media, though it did not go into detail about the terms of the settlement.

We've reached a fair and equitable agreement with Conference USA, our partner for 13 years. The move to the Sun Belt Conference in July is one that will benefit the health and well-being of our student athletes, the fiscal stability of our athletics department, and the economic vitality of our entire region. Our Bulldogs and Lady Techsters look forward to renewing rivalries with the Ragin Cajuns, Warhawks, Golden Eagles, and all of the Sun Belt members. Go Dogs!

Conference USA also released a statement, though the league also did not reveal the terms of the agreement.

Conference USA is pleased to have reached a positive resolution with Louisiana Tech that fully acknowledges our governing documents. We look forward to continued success and impact in the national landscape, driven by the collective strength and shared vision of our 10 member institutions.

Louisiana Tech will slot into the Sun Belt to replace Texas State, which is leaving this summer to join the newly reformed Pac-12. The Bulldogs were previously included in conference schedules for both Conference USA and the Sun Belt.

The move makes a great deal of sense for Louisiana Tech as it will bring back in-state rivalries against Louisiana and Louisiana-Monroe, as well as other games against regional opponents like South Alabama, Troy and Southern Miss.

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