SoCon presidents and chancellors from its 10 member schools agreed to up the fee from $300,000 to $1 million for colleges that give at least a year's notice of leaving. Those schools that give less notice will owe the Southern Conference $1.25 million, up from $600,000.
The league announced the move Friday at the conclusion of its spring meetings.
The SoCon has been hit hard by conference realignment in recent years with five of its 12 members from two years ago departing for other leagues. College of Charleston left last year while Appalachian State, Davidson, Elon and Georgia Southern are departing at the end of this season.
The conference is adding East Tennessee State, VMI and Mercer.
