The Big 12 is still deciding: West Virginia or Louisville? Could be one or the other, or maybe neither.
Conference realignment took a strange turn Wednesday when, a day after it appeared the Big 12 had decided West Virginia would eventually replace Missouri as the league's 10th member, the Mountaineers' Big East rival Lousiville re-entered the picture.
The result was conflicting stories about what happened and a U.S. senator threatening an investigation - while the Big East was left to wonder not only if it had to replace another member, but which one.
A person with knowledge of the Big 12's discussions told the Associated Press no decision was made by the conference to add West Virginia, and Louisville is still a candidate to be invited to join.
The person spoke Wednesday on condition of anonymity because the Big 12's internal discussions are being conducted privately. The person added a decision about expansion is not expected before next week.
Tuesday, West Virginia to the Big 12 seemed to be certain after the conference board of directors met the night before. But the person with knowledge of the talks said "no real decision was made Monday" and the Big 12 is not committed to any school.
West Virginia Athletic Director Oliver Luck declined comment in a text message to the AP.
However, another person with knowledge of the situation, also speaking on condition of anonymity, said West Virginia was preparing Tuesday to announce the move with a news conference on campus with Big 12 officials Wednesday.
The school and the league also were working on a news release when university leaders received a call from the conference telling them to put those plans on hold, the person said.
"I think all of this should have great clarity within the next 10 days or less," University of Oklahoma President David Boren said Wednesday after a regents meeting in Lawton, Okla.
One thing seems sure - the Big 12 is going to need a replacement for Missouri, which has been working on a move to the Southeastern Conference.
The person with knowledge of the Big 12's discussions said conference officials are not holding out hope Missouri will stay, but said West Virginia and Louisville should not be considered finalists to become the Big 12's next member.
"Those two certainly have been discussed a lot," the person said. "And I wouldn't rule out other schools just yet."
BYU also has been considered as a potential new member by the Big 12.
The person said no meetings have been set up with Big 12 officials and schools outside the conference.
"We're still discussing among ourselves," the person said.
The person also stated it is unlikely the Big 12 would go the 12-team route and invite both West Virginia and Louisville in the process.