West Virginia Free to Leave Big East – Well, Not Free

The Big East Conference and the University of West Virginia have negotiated a buyout that will allow the Mountaineers to leave the Big East before their 27 month commitment expires.

With Missouri and Texas A&M headed to the SEC, the Big 12 invited TCU and WVU with the understanding both schools would join the Big 12 in time for the 2012 football season.  West Virginia and the Big East sued each other.

Under the agreement, both lawsuits will be dropped.

The Big East will be paid $20 million from the deal.  $11 million will be paid by the University, the remainder by the Big 12.