Louisiana Tech University to Join Sun Belt Conference by 2027
The Sun Belt Conference announced Tuesday the addition of Louisiana Tech University to its membership, following a unanimous vote by the conference’s Board of Presidents and Chancellors. Louisiana Tech will officially join the league no later than July 1, 2027.
The announcement marks a significant moment for the Bulldogs and Lady Techsters, reuniting Louisiana Tech with several familiar foes in a move that emphasizes regional alignment and competitive growth.
A joint press conference is scheduled for Wednesday, July 16, at 3 p.m. CT at the Davison Athletics Complex in Ruston. The event will include remarks from Louisiana Tech President Dr. Jim Henderson, Athletic Director Ryan Ivey, and Sun Belt Commissioner Keith Gill. The press conference will also be livestreamed at youtube.com/latechathletics.
“We are thrilled to welcome Louisiana Tech University to the Sun Belt,” said Commissioner Gill. “Geographically situated within our current footprint, this move revives long-standing rivalries and strengthens our competitive profile. I’m grateful to President Henderson, Athletic Director Ivey, and all our Sun Belt institutions for their vision and commitment to excellence.”
The addition will bring the Sun Belt’s membership to 14 full-time institutions. Louisiana Tech will join current members App State, Arkansas State, Coastal Carolina, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, James Madison, Louisiana, ULM, Marshall, Old Dominion, South Alabama, Southern Miss, and Troy.
Dr. Kyle Marrero, President of Georgia Southern and Chair of the Sun Belt Board of Directors, noted that Louisiana Tech was a natural fit.
“The Sun Belt has remained committed to regional rivalries and geographic alignment,” Marrero said. “Louisiana Tech strengthens those pillars and enhances our divisional structure. We’re excited to welcome the Bulldogs to the conference.”
Founded in 1894, Louisiana Tech is an R2 Research Institution with over 12,000 students. The university has a decorated athletics history, boasting seven national championships across football, women’s basketball, and track & field. The football program has made 14 bowl appearances, with a record of 8-5-1, while the softball team has played in three NCAA Women’s College World Series.
“The storied legacy of our Bulldogs and Lady Techsters will be advanced with this move,” said President Henderson. “Joining the Sun Belt affirms the quality of our athletics programs and creates more opportunities for our student-athletes and fans through enhanced regional rivalries and more efficient travel.”
Louisiana Tech supports 16 varsity sports and will compete in every Sun Belt-sponsored sport except women’s bowling. Conversely, the Sun Belt sponsors all but four of Louisiana Tech’s sports—beach volleyball, men’s soccer, men’s tennis, and women’s golf.
“This move is about alignment, engagement, and opportunity,” said AD Ryan Ivey. “The Sun Belt provides a competitive and stable home for our programs. Our student-athletes, coaches, alumni, and fans are energized by the possibilities ahead.”
Louisiana Tech was previously a Sun Belt member from 1991 to 2001, enjoying substantial success. The women’s basketball program won nine consecutive regular-season titles and seven conference tournaments. Men’s basketball secured two regular-season crowns, while the track & field programs captured multiple titles during that era.
The Sun Belt Conference, founded in 1976, has grown into one of the premier non-autonomy leagues in the NCAA. Since the 2022 football expansion, the conference has led peer leagues in bowl participation and earned multiple bids in eight different sports. With a .571 bowl winning percentage in the College Football Playoff era, the Sun Belt continues to build on its national presence.