The University of New Orleans will join the Southland Conference beginning with the 2013-14 season, sources told ESPN. New Orleans was a member of the Sun Belt from 1991 until 2010, when it became an independent five years after the university and community were devastated by Hurricane Katrina. The school has announced a Thursday morning news conference to officially announce its move to the Southland. On Monday, the Southland announced the University of the Incarnate Word would join the league in 2013. Abilene Christian also is considering an invitation to join the conference. The Southland has 10 members for the 2012-13 season and the addition of New Orleans, Incarnate Word and Houston Baptist would give it 13 members in 2013-14.
