Expresses support for the Big East Conference's acceptance of Saint Louis University as a member institution

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brad Christ

Missouri expresses non-binding support for Saint Louis University joining the Big East, citing expected regional economic, educational, and visibility benefits.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)

Summary of Bill HR 4042 (2026) – Missouri House of Representatives

Purpose and Intent

Expresses formal support for Saint Louis University (SLU) joining the Big East Conference as a member institution.

Frames the acceptance as beneficial to the St. Louis region and the state of Missouri, highlighting potential economic, educational, and civic gains.

Key Provisions and Provisions Effect

The bill is a resolution from the Missouri House of Representatives (Second Regular Session, 103rd General Assembly) expressing support for the Big East Conference’s acceptance of SLU.

It cites SLU’s status as a leading private research university and its alignment with the Big East’s characteristics (private, urban, mission-centered).

It asserts that SLU would strengthen the Big East’s Midwest footprint and align with practical travel considerations for member institutions.

It references broader benefits of conference realignment, noting:

Economic opportunities from enhanced visitor spending, higher-demand home events, sponsorships, and national media exposure.
The impact of premier conference membership on tourism, talent recruitment, and regional economic competitiveness.
The Big East’s long-term national media agreement as a value-add for member institutions and communities.

The bill draws on broader examples of Missouri institutions benefiting from conference affiliation (e.g., Missouri’s move to the SEC and Missouri State’s move to Conference USA) to illustrate potential opportunities.

It mentions public statements and advocacy from prominent figures (e.g., Rick Pitino, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt) to underscore perceived national support for SLU’s inclusion.

Who/What Would Be Affected

Saint Louis University: Potential member of the Big East Conference (basketball-first alignment with the conference’s profile).

The Big East Conference: Possible expansion to include SLU, affecting conference membership, scheduling, and media/marketing dynamics.

Missouri and the St. Louis region: Anticipated economic and visibility benefits from greater conference-related activity, media exposure, tourism, and recruitment.

General public and stakeholders: May experience indirect benefits from improved regional economic performance and national profile.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Type: House Resolution (non-binding express statement of support).

Session: Second Regular Session of the 103rd General Assembly.

Introduced by: Representative Christ (Brad Christ), with co-sponsor involvement noted.

Action History:

Offered: January 29, 2026
Referred to Committee: Emerging Issues (H) on May 15, 2026

Status: The resolution had been referred to the Emerging Issues committee for consideration as of the latest action.

Contextual Considerations

The resolution does not itself authorize or mandate any action by SLU or the Big East; it publicly signals legislative support.

It emphasizes potential economic and regional benefits tied to conference realignment and national exposure.

The bill cites external endorsements and prior conference moves to contextualize the potential impact.

Bottom Line

HR 4042 is a non-binding expression of support by Missouri’s House for Saint Louis University’s prospective acceptance into the Big East Conference, framed around anticipated economic, educational, and regional benefits for Missouri and the St. Louis area, alongside broader national implications of conference membership.