ST. LOUIS — The Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) Presidents Council voted to extend an offer of membership to Murray State University on Friday, establishing the Racers as the 12th member of the nation’s preeminent Football Championship Subdivision conference.

“The addition of Murray State expands the MVFC footprint and sets up the league for new rivalries,” said David Harris, UNI director of athletics. “The MVFC is the strongest conference in the FCS subdivision and we are pleased that Murray State wants to commit their program to the high level of competition that exists within our league. The Panthers are excited to welcome the Racers to the MVFC and look forward to working with them for years to come.”

Murray State will host MVFC Commissioner Patty Viverito for a public announcement Friday.

“With Murray State becoming the 12th Missouri Valley Football Conference member, we have stabilized and strengthened FCS football in the Midwest and cemented the MVFC’s position as the premier FCS football conference in the nation,” said Viverito.