W.Va. to join Big 12 this fall

MORGANTOWN, W.Va., Feb. 14 (UPI) -- West Virginia University has announced a settlement of its lawsuit with the Big East conference that allows it to join the Big 12 in July.

The school's athletic director, Oliver Luck, said in a release that no taxpayer funds or money paid for tuition will be used in the settlement. He did not release the terms of the settlement, although the Charleston Daily Mail said last week that West Virginia agreed to pay $11 million in exchange for a waiver of the 27-month waiting period with other Big 12 schools paying $9 million.

"This closes a chapter and opens a new one filled with exciting possibilities for WVU's future," Luck said. "I've heard from Mountaineer fans across the country who have made it very clear that they are proud and honored to be heading into the Big 12."

The Big 12 currently has 10 members, mostly in Texas, Oklahoma and the Midwest. West Virginia and Texas Christian University replace Missouri and Texas A&M, which are leaving for the Southeastern Conference.

The settlement allows both the Big 12 and Big East to draw up final football schedules for the 2012 season.