James Madison will leave the Sun Belt and become a full member of the American Conference no later than July 1, 2028, the university announced Monday, October 12.
JMU’s Board of Visitors unanimously approved applying for and accepting the invitation. The American’s university leaders also voted unanimously to admit the Dukes following the conference’s evaluation of the school.
The move will place 17 of JMU’s 18 varsity programs in the American. Field hockey will remain in the Mid-American Conference. Women’s lacrosse has competed in the American since 2022, and swimming and diving joined as an affiliate for the 2025–26 academic year.
JMU said private gifts will cover its Sun Belt exit fee, while new corporate agreements will fund the American entry fee. The university did not disclose the amounts and said the transition fees will not use tuition, student fees or state taxpayer funding.
The Dukes joined the Sun Belt and began moving from FCS to FBS in 2022. Their football program reached the College Football Playoff last season and is 6–0 under first-year coach Billy Napier, according to ESPN.
