WHEELING, W.Va. (AP) - Nine members of the West Virginia Conference say they're leaving to form a new all-sports league.
Media outlets report that the schools announced the move Monday. They expect to begin competing in the new league during the 2013-2014 academic year. Schedules for the 2012-2013 academic year won't be affected.
The schools are the University of Charleston, Concord, Fairmont State, Glenville State, Seton Hall, Shepherd, West Liberty, West Virginia State and West Virginia Wesleyan. They are the 15-member West Virginia Conference's members that sponsor football.
The new conference's operations and name haven't been determined. The schools say they plan to seek membership in NCAA Division II and ultimately expand the conference to 12 teams.
Required documentation for the new league will be submitted to the NCAA before Dec. 1.
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