ESPN reports that West Virginia and the Big East have settled their dispute, and that WVU is officially clear to join the Big 12 this summer.
The Big East Conference board of directors voted to terminate West Virginia’s membership, effective June 30. The vote is conditioned upon WVU fulfilling its obligations under an agreement that resolves the lawsuits between both parties.
This comes as no surprise for anyone who’s been following the story, but it’s significant that WVU’s move to the Big 12 — a move the Mountaineers seemed committed to make in 2012 come hell or high water — is finally official. The Big East will reportedly get $20 million, of which $11 million will come from WVU and $9 million will come from the Big 12.
The 2012 Big 12 football schedule has already been released, and WVU is already on it — the Mountaineers will play their first Big 12 conference game against Baylor on September 29 in Morgantown.
Pitt and Syracuse will reportedly remain in the Big East until 2014, when they will depart for the ACC.
For more on the Big East, check out Big East Coast Bias. For more on WVU sports, there’s The Smoking Musket.