ST. LOUIS - Butler University will begin competition in the Atlantic 10 Conference in the fall of 2012, a year ahead of schedule, as announced today by Butler and the A-10.

"We are thrilled to welcome Butler and look forward to the opportunity to play our old conference rival immediately," SLU director of athletics Chris May said. "The decision to have the Bulldogs join the league for the 2012-13 season reinforces the idea that the Atlantic 10 is the best basketball-driven conference in the country."

The addition of Butler and VCU to the A-10 will give the league 16 members for next season. In 2013-14, the number of schools will be 14 after the departure of Charlotte (Conference USA) and Temple (Big East).