BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Texas A&M is set to join Southeastern Conference, the league said Sunday, possibly signaling legal hurdles have been cleared for the Aggies to leave the Big 12.

The SEC announced the move will be effective next July, and said Texas A&M will participate in all sports during the 2012-13 academic year. That gives the SEC 13 members and its first addition since South Carolina and Arkansas in 1992.

The Aggies’ defection from the Big 12 had been held up by the possibility of legal action from Baylor and other members, who would not waive their rights to sue the school and the SEC. The statement released by the SEC did not mention that situation, and spokesman Charles Bloom said he could not comment.

SEC presidents and chancellors voted in favor of the move on Sept. 6.

It’s unclear if the SEC will add a 14th member for next season or go with unbalanced divisions. Rumored possibilities include the Big 12’s Missouri and West Virginia of the Big East.

A&M’s official departure from the Big 12 was considered the next step needed to determine where this round of conference realignment is headed.

Once that is done, the SEC can decide on a 14th member, if it wants one and the Big 12 can replace the Aggies.