The Hill News

The Big 12 conference will add West Virginia University in a realignment move that is making waves in the world of college football â€" and the halls of Congress.

The conference was looking for a 10th school to replace departing Missouri, which announced earlier this week that it would be leaving the Big 12 to join the Southeastern Conference. The Big 12 had reportedly come to an agreement with WVU, but reports emerged that Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) was lobbying on behalf of the University of Louisville, his alma mater, throwing the process into chaos.

The potential move carried great significance for the schools, both currently members of the Big East. By defecting to the more storied football conference that includes programs like Texas and Oklahoma, the universities stood to make millions in additional revenues from television contracts. 

Further complicating the process were recent defections from the Big East by Syrac! use and Pittsburgh, threatening the conference's tie-in to the lucrative Bowl Championship Series.

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