After some hesitation and reconsideration earlier in the week, the Big 12 has elected to go with its initial expansion plan.
The Big 12 Board of Directors announced Friday that West Virginia U. has been officially accepted as a member of the conference effective July 2012.
“The addition of West Virginia, while expanding the reach of the Big 12, brings an impressive institution with esteemed academics and a proud athletic tradition into the Conference,” Burns Hargis, Chair of the Big 12 Board of Directors, said in an official statement. “This is another step in building a strong foundation for the future of the Big 12.”
West Virginia was reportedly due to join the Big 12 earlier in the week, but strong lobbying from the University of Louisville and Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell stalled the conference’s decision to accept West Virginia.
When it was all said and done, Louisville’s push to receive a Big 12 invitation was to no avail. According to the conference, the Big 12 has no intentions to expand beyond 10 teams for the 2012 academic year.
“The Big 12 is a perfect fit for West Virginia University,” WVU President Dr. James P. Clements said in an official statement. “It is a strong conference that, like WVU, values quality academic and athletic programs, and has a great tradition of success. This is a very exciting time for WVU and Mountaineer nation. I am confident that the future of WVU athletics has never been more promising.”
The Big 12’s stability over the last 16 months has been in question, losing Colorado, Nebraska and Texas A&M to other conferences in less than a two-year span. The additions of Texas Christian University and West Virginia are statements towards building the Big 12’s long-term solidarity.
The departure of West Virginia casts uncertainty over the Big East’s future. The Mountaineers were the Big East’s flagship football program, but West Virginia’s exit leaves the conference with just five football members.
The Big East was considered by many as the nation’s strongest basketball conference, but losing Pittsburgh, Syracuse, and West Virginia now puts the Big East’s BCS automatic-qualifier status in jeopardy.
With Missouri expected to join the Southeastern Conference in the near future, the Big 12 decided to act swiftly and add West Virginia regardless of Missouri’s decision.
“We are excited to add West Virginia to our exceptional lineup of Conference members,” Big 12 Interim Commissioner Chuck Neinas said. “They bring an excellent overall athletic program to the Big 12 and allow the league to expand into an area that boasts a passionate group of fans and alumni throughout its region.”