By Fitzgerald Cecilio

Pittsburgh, PA

Following Syracuse's route, Pittsburgh has bought its freedom from the Big East for $7.5 million, enabling the Panthers to join the ACC next year instead of 2014.

The Panthers paid Big East the original $5 million exit fee plus an additional $2.5 million, just like Syracuse did earlier to escape the 27-month exit agreement indicated in the Big East's by-laws.

Under the rules, Syracuse and Pittsburgh will not be allowed to join the ACC until 2014, unless they pay an exit fee.

"We have appreciated and enjoyed our membership in the Big East and wish them much success in the future," Pittsburgh 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."

"Today's announcement that Pitt will be joining the ACC on July 1, 2013 is a terrific one," said ACC commissioner John Swofford, whose fold has grown to 14 teams with the entry of Pittsburgh and Syracuse.

"It's exciting to know both Pitt and Syracuse will become playing members with the 2013-14 academic year," said Swofford, who added that the entry of Pitt and Syracuse would strengthen the conference's rich tradition of balancing academics.

"Throughout this past year we've been preparing to welcome both teams into our membership and we look forward to the future of the ACC with these two schools as prominent members," he said.

Pittsburgh and Syracuse's departure will not be felt by the Big East as it added Temple this fall and San Diego State, Boise State, Houston, UCF, Memphis and SMU in 2013.

"This is another step for the Big East to take toward a very exciting future," Big East interim commissioner Joe Bailey said. "With the addition of our eight new members, the Big East will be incredibly strong and vibrant."

 

Pittsburgh Pays Exit Fee to Big East, Joins ACC in 2013