(CHAPEL HILL) -- Notre Dame is moving to the Atlantic Coast Conference, yet keeping its football independence. While the announcement was made Wednesday, the actual move date is uncertain.

UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Holden Thorp chairs the leagues' council of presidents and said they welcome the addition. "We are delighted to have Notre Dame join the league, an institution whose mission embodies the rich tradition and culture of the ACC," said Thorp. "The Atlantic Coast Conference is a vibrant and competitive league and we will continue to be dedicated to the values and principles upon which this league was formed 60 years ago."

Along with inviting Notre Dame, the ACC also increased its exit fees for the conference's schools to three times the annual operation budget - which would currently come to more than $50 million.  This change in policy goes into effect immediately.