University of Pittsburgh - Athletics

Athletics

The University of Pittsburgh's sponsors 19 varsity sports teams, called the "Pittsburgh Panthers" or "Pitt Panthers," that participate at the highest level of competitive collegiate athletics in the United States, NCAA Division I (Division I FBS for football). The varsity teams compete as members of the Big East Conference, Eastern Wrestling League, East Atlantic Gymnastics League, and Eastern College Athletic Conference. There are also approximate 30 additional athletic teams that compete at the non-varsity club sports level.

Pitt’s highest-profile athletic programs, American football and men’s basketball, are consistently competitive. Pitt has been regularly ranked as having one of the best combinations of football and basketball programs by multiple sports media outlets, including CBS Sports, ESPN, and Sports Illustrated.

On September 18, 2011, it was announced that the Atlantic Coast Conference had officially extended an invitation to Pittsburgh to join the ACC after approving the university's application. The University of Pittsburgh will officially join the ACC on July 1, 2013.