Providence, RI (Sports Network) - Pittsburgh and the Big East have worked out
terms of a deal that will allow the University to join the Atlantic Coast
Conference a year early.
Last September, the ACC announced that Syracuse and Pittsburgh agreed to join
the league. Big East bylaws stated that the schools had to abide by a 27-month
notification period for departure, but the new deal will allow Pitt to
terminate Big East membership on July 1, 2013.
Syracuse made a similar pact with the Big East earlier this week, and both
schools will make a cash payment of $7.5 million to the conference.
"We have appreciated and enjoyed our membership in the Big East and wish them
much success in the future," Pitt athletic director Steve Pederson said. "We
are anxious to compete in our final season in the Big East and look forward to
an exciting future in the Atlantic Coast Conference."
The Big East, which also lost West Virginia to the Big 12, said they are ready
to move on as well.
Temple will rejoin the league in football this fall and will become a full
conference member for 2013-14. Boise State and San Diego State were added as
football-only members with Memphis, Central Florida, Houston and SMU joining
for all sports starting in 2013-14. Navy will also join for football in 2015.
"This is another step for the Big East to take toward a very exciting future,"
said Joe Bailey, the interim commissioner of the Big East. "With the addition
of our eight new members, the Big East will be incredibly strong and vibrant"
The Sports Network