Notre Dame to join ACC in 2013-14

CLEMSON - The Big East announced Tuesday it has reached an agreement to allow Notre Dame to depart and begin competing in the ACC in the 2013-14 academic year.

Notre Dame will begin playing five football games per year against ACC teams in 2014. The Irish will begin competing in ACC basketball and non-revenue sports next season, bringing the conference to 15 members.

ACC commissioner John Swofford said Notre Dame will become an official member on July 1.

“The addition of Notre Dame, Pitt and Syracuse, followed by Louisville in 2014, positions us extremely well with an outstanding collection of 15 member institutions,” Swofford said in a statement. “As was previously announced, our annual five games against Notre Dame in football will begin with the 2014 season. This not only will enhance our league’s already ambitious football schedules but also will provide terrific fan excitement.”

Swofford believes the additions of Pitt, Louisville, Syracuse and Notre Dame position the ACC as the nation’s premier basketball conference.

“From a basketball perspective, the level of competition will be second to none,” Swofford said. “As we look towards the future, there’s no denying that ACC Basketball will continue to set even higher standards of excitement and excellence. The competition will be brutal, which is a great thing for our league and fans.”

Notre Dame AD Jack Swarbrick also released a statement Tuesday.

“We are thrilled to join a great group of institutions who share our commitment to the integration of athletics into the academic mission of the university,” Swarbrick said. “Our coaches and student-athletes across our athletic programs are truly excited about the new challenges ahead.”