Big East = automatic bcs until...?

[SMU2007]

I've read on here that it was until 2016, but trying to confirm this online I'm seeing reports that it's only until 2013, which would obviously be a big problem. Can someone help me out here?

[RyanSMU98]

I read somewhere (can't remember exactly where) that the contract expires in 2013, but there is a grace period of 2-3 years to retain status, which means BE can hold onto it til 2015-16, giving them plenty of time to either reconstitute if needed, and giving us plenty of time to make a major statement that we belong in the BCS in case BE implodes and we have to move conferences again. Still a risk worth taking in my mind.

[Garret]

""There's been a lot of talk about the Big East losing its bid,'' said one highly placed college official with knowledge of the BCS requirements."But as long as the conference exsists in football l the contract is iron clad for two years and there is also a two-year grace period (an NCAA rule) which extends it through the 2015 season. .

http://articles.boston.com/2011-10-13/sports/30276065_1_bcs-bid-big-east-bcs-bcs-conferences

[MustangSTATS]

Bottom line is every team entering and currently in the Big East needs to get ranked by the end of the year. Which is why they desperately need Boise with its history of finishing in the top ten and why they wanted TCU. If SMU continues its success we can end the season in the top 25 and quickly add to the Big East's credibility and more importantly our own. Not sure how easily the NCAA could take away a conferences BCS status without being held up in court. If all goes well, the Big East should be a stable BCS member by 2015, otherwise its on to the next step for a strengthened SMU.

[Topper]

I think political and public relations pressure can be used to make it very difficult for the BCS to drop a conference with the the widespread geographic distribution and alumni clout of the BE if it continues to exist the way it is shaping up. I know what it takes to qualify for the BCS, but not so sure what it takes to de-qualify.