Sun Belt Conference Commissioner Karl Benson announce in a statement on Friday that North Texas and Florida International intend to leave the conference. Here is his full statement:

Two current Sun Belt Conference members, North Texas and Florida International, have publicly announced their intention to leave the Sun Belt Conference on July 1, 2013.

“Over the course of the last several weeks, both universities were cooperative and kept an open line of communication throughout the process,” said Sun Belt Commissioner Karl Benson. “Both have been members in good standing during their time in the league and have contributed to the growth and success the Sun Belt has achieved in recent years. We wish them good luck.”

“Despite the departures, the Sun Belt Conference has a strong footing with its current membership and has been active in recent weeks in bettering the league throughout this realignment process,” Benson said. “The Sun Belt previously announced the additions of Georgia State and Texas State and both of those universities will join the conference on July 1, 2013. The remaining Sun Belt members believe strongly that these two universities are very good additions and will be competitive in all sports on a national level.”

On Monday, May 7 the Sun Belt Conference’s presidents and chancellors will meet to discuss the next course of action. Additionally, the Sun Belt Conference’s annual Spring Meeting will take place May 20-23.