What happened: JMU has committed to pay more than $20 million in an entrance fee to join the American Conference, Yahoo Sports sources said. Annual distributions to current American members will not decrease as a result of the addition. JMU is making the move as the Sun Belt explores an increase in exit fees ahead of a vote later this week.

Why it matters: Holding current members harmless on payouts removes a key obstacle to expansion approval. The parallel exit-fee fight in the Sun Belt will determine the final cost and timing of JMU's departure. The switch is targeted for no later than July 1, 2028.

What to watch: Watch for the Sun Belt's exit-fee vote and any filing confirming JMU's effective date. Terms of the entrance-fee payment schedule are the next detail to confirm.