Conference USA and the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl have extended their contract for three years over a six-year period beginning in 2014, opening the door for another conference to enter the picture.

C-USA has been a partner in the game since its inception in 2002, but a figure in the American Athletic Conference, formerly known as the Big East, said that conference is negotiating to fill the opening.

ESPN Regional Television, which owns and operates the Hawaii Bowl, announced the C-USA agreement but would not comment on a replacement for the other three years.

An extension between ESPN and the Mountain West Conference for the other half of the draw is expected shortly.

The 2013 Hawaii Bowl is scheduled to be played Dec. 24 at Aloha Stadium, matching representatives from the MWC and C-USA.

Hawaii will represent the MWC if the Rainbow Warriors win six or more of their 12 games to become bowl eligible.

"Conference USA has been an outstanding partner for the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl since day one," said David Matlin, the game’s executive director. "The student-athletes representing C-USA over the years have been first-class representatives of their institutions, both on and off the playing field. We are very pleased to have secured Conference USA to continue their participation in Hawaii."

In a release, Britton Banowsky, Conference USA commissioner, said, "The Sheraton Hawaii Bowl has hosted most of our teams since its inception, and we are thrilled to be able to extend the relationship into the future. It is truly among the best of all bowl experiences."

Tickets for this year’s Hawaii Bowl are currently on sale.

For more information, go to SheratonHawaiiBowl.com.