Conference Realignment: Illinois-Chicago to leave Horizon, Oakland to join

According to the UW-Milwaukee Blogger PantherU, the University of Illinois- Chicago has decided to leave the Horizon League for the Missouri Valley Conference.

While the Horizon League loses UIC, they are apparently gaining Oakland (MI) University. According to a report from the Green Bay Press-Gazette's Rob Demovsky, the Golden Grizzlies would leave the Summit league and join the Horizon League.

With Oakland joining and UIC leaving the Horizon League would remain at 9, Cleveland State University, University of Detroit Mercy, University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, Loyola University Chicago, Oakland University, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Valparaiso University, Wright State University, and Youngstown State University

The Missouri Valley, suffering the loss of Creighton to the new Big East and UIC joining, stands at 10 with Bradley University, Drake University, University of Evansville, Illinois State University, Indiana State University, Missouri State University, University of Illinois-Chicago, University of Northern Iowa, Southern Illinois University, and Wichita State University.

Earlier this week representatives from the MVC visited UIC, Loyola-Chicago and Valparaiso as potential targets for expansion. It's unclear if either of the other schools were invited and if they have accepted or declined.

We'll continue to keep you up to date as we learn more about these situations.