Big East expansion rumors have been a hot topic, along with conference expansion in general, for quite a while. The conference plans to make its expansion official on Wednesday night, however, during a media teleconference at 5 p.m. Eastern time "to address conference membership."
The school didn't release any further details on its website other than a link to listen to the press conference live, but its widely expected that the Boise State Broncos, Houston Cougars, San Diego State Aztecs, Central Florida Knights and SMU Mustangs will all officially be announced as official members of the Big East during the conference call.
It's unclear exactly where the eastern portion of the conference's name comes into play when adding San Diego State into the mix, but that was likely due to Boise State requesting that a travel partner join the conference with the Broncos. San Diego State was the second option, but made the move when the BYU Cougars turned the conference down due to a disagreement with the television rights.
Keep up with the latest news and notes on the conference expansion whirlwind, with SB Nation's comprehensive conference realignment coverage. And for more fan perspective on the Big East, head to our blog Big East Coast Bias.