This could be a mid-major basketball fan's dream: Butler, VCU and George Mason are reportedly in discussions to join the Atlantic 10. The three schools each broke through in the NCAA Tournament over the past half decade, with Butler earning the most noticeable exposure following back-to-back championship game appearance.
The news comes from CBS Sports.
VCU and George Mason are currently in the Colonial Athletic Association and Butler is in the Horizon League. All three schools would need approval from their respective school boards to make the move.
Sources told CBSSports.com that VCU's Board of Visitors already has had at least two meetings about making the move, while Butler has negotiated with representatives of the Atlantic 10 for the league to assist financially for the Bulldogs to change leagues.
If a move does happen, the Atlantic 10 would immediately become the mid-major dream team, adding three powers to an already successful conference. The additions would soften the blow of losing Temple to the Big East, and perhaps Charlotte to the Sun Belt.
The schools would reportedly make the move in time for the 2013-14 season.