James Madison University to join American Conference in 2028, tripling TV revenue
James Madison University (JMU) has accepted membership in the American Conference, effective no later than July 1, 2028. The move follows a unanimous vote by the university's Board of Visitors and a comprehensive due diligence process by the American. JMU will pay a $23 million entrance fee and face a potential $5 million exit fee from the Sun Belt. In exchange, the university expects to triple its TV rights distribution to $6-7 million annually, compared to the $2 million it received in the Sun Belt. The American will treat JMU as a full member from the start, with no reduction in media distributions for existing members. The move is seen as a strategic step for JMU, which has experienced rapid success since moving to FBS in 2022, including a College Football Playoff appearance in 2025. For the American, the addition of JMU helps offset the loss of four key programs to the Power Four in 2023 and 2024, bolstering its competitive and geographic standing in the Group of Six.
