SEC Commissioner Sankey Affirms Commitment to Existing Members, Downplays Expansion Speculation

DALLAS -- SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey reaffirmed the conference's commitment to its existing membership and downplayed speculation about potential future expansion during SEC media days in Dallas. Sankey, who was taken by surprise three years ago when news broke about the addition of Oklahoma and Texas to the SEC, faced numerous questions about the possibility of further expansion. However, he remained firm in emphasizing the SEC's current focus on its 16 member institutions. "Our focus is on our 16 members. We can certainly remain at 16 for a long, long time and remain incredibly successful," Sankey stated. The SEC's expansion with Oklahoma and Texas set off a wave of realignment across college sports, with other conferences making significant changes to their membership. Sankey highlighted the SEC's ability to maintain historic rivalries while expanding geographically in a strategic manner. Sankey also addressed ongoing legal issues in college sports, including Clemson and Florida State's lawsuit against the ACC, expressing sympathy for ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips while emphasizing the SEC's stance of not engaging in expansion discussions entangled in litigation. When asked about the possibility of the SEC expanding beyond its current footprint, Sankey referenced the conference's past decisions to add contiguous states and hinted at the importance of strategic choices in maintaining the SEC's strength. In his remarks, Sankey touched on broader issues in college athletics, mentioning the proposed settlement in the House v. NCAA case and the need for federal legislation on NIL. He also alluded to political divisiveness in the nation, emphasizing the unifying nature of college football games where individuals from different backgrounds come together to enjoy the sport. As one of the most influential figures in college athletics, Sankey reiterated his commitment to keeping the sport sustainable and expressed caution towards external influences seeking to shape the future of college athletics. Overall, Sankey's remarks at SEC media days showcased the SEC's stability and strategic approach to conference alignment, signaling a continued focus on the existing membership and a measured approach to potential future changes.