West Virginia Settles Big East Lawsuit

West Virginia University announced Tuesday it has reached a settlement agreement with the Big East Conference in the pending civil actions in West Virginia and Rhode Island. As a result WVU will officially begin its full membership in the Big 12 Conference in July.

“Our membership in the Big 12 offers WVU significant advantages,” said Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Oliver Luck. “The Big 12 is a strong and vibrant conference academically and athletically. We look forward to the potential academic and athletic partnerships and financial opportunities that membership in the Big 12 offers."

According to the Associated Press a person familiar with the agreement said the settlement totaled $20 million but did not know how much money would come from the university and how much the Big 12 may contribute. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because financial terms were not being made in the announcement of the agreement.

The Mountaineers went 10-3 last season and finished ranked in the Top 25. West Virginia capped off the season with a record-setting 70-33 victory over Clemson in the Orange Bowl.

WVU accepted an invitation to join the Big 12 in late October.