The Atlantic 10 should more appropriately be called the Atlantic 16. Today, Butler has changed their timetable and will join the A-10 this fall. Butler was set to join the A-10 in 2013, but due to “unexpected circumstances” Butler will now join the A-10 this fall.

This means that the A-10 this season will have 16 participating schools in the conference, but will only have 14 schools in 2013 as Temple leaves for the Big East and Charlotte returns to Conference USA.

“The decision to have the Bulldogs join the league for the 2012-13 season reinforces the idea that the Atlantic 10 is the best basketball-driven conference in the country.” Chris May said to Saint Louis Athletics.

“The Atlantic 10 has the potential to have the strongest year in league history in 2012-13 with 16 outstanding programs.” Atlantic 10 commissioner Bernadette McGlade said.

The A-10 now immediately adds two strong schools, the other school being VCU,  which will increase the profile of the conference for this athletic season.