CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) -- Notre Dame is moving to the Atlantic Coast Conference -- yet keeping its football independence.

The school's president, the Rev. John I. Jenkins, and athletic director Jack Swarbrick joined league Commissioner John Swofford and three ACC presidents for a news conference Wednesday announcing the Irish's move from the Big East.

Swofford says "this is truly a historic moment for the Atlantic Coast Conference."

The ACC and Notre Dame say the school will play five football games annually against the league's programs, but will be a full member in all other sports.

The ACC also says it has increased its exit fees for league schools to three times the annual operation budget -- which would currently come to more than $50 million.