Big East, Catholic 7 Split Official; No Decision Yet On New Name

The Big East on Friday formally announced a definitive agreement to part ways with the Catholic 7 schools, which will presumably take the Big East moniker with them. The deal, which is effective July 1, is subject to formal approval by the conference BOD. Big East Commissioner Mike Aresco said in a statement, "We have not chosen a new conference name at this time and there are no favorites." He said a name would be chosen "in a timely manner" through a process involving school presidents and ADs (THE DAILY).

The deal "now triggers Notre Dame’s talks with Aresco’s group of football schools for what it hopes will be expeditious negotiations" that land it in the ACC for the '13-14 season (CHICAGOTRIBUNE.com, 3/8).