On May 25, Greg Sankey, the SEC Commissioner, kick-started the league’s annual spring meetings. Not only did he describe the meeting as “overhyped,” but Sankey also questioned Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti’s push for a 24-team playoff model.

“I was surprised by that since they brought 16 to the table. When we were meeting last year, all those 16 ideas weren’t ours, and probably some of the outcomes. There’s probably clarity that they have looked at 16, just not much of late. He’d [Tony] have to explain their positioning,” he said, per On3. 

Sankey firmly stands against Petitti, the Big Ten commissioner, who is doubling down to expand to a 24-team format. In an earlier league meeting in California, the Big Ten’s coaches and athletic directors displayed a united front in support of the league expanding to the format.

Both the Big Ten and the SEC have control over the CFP. The former has clearly stated its preference. According to an ESPN report, Petitti is looking at just two options: either the model stays at 12 or grows to 24.

Meanwhile, the SEC continues its discussions around 16-, 20-, and 24-team models. Sankey also addressed a potential divide in the conference over the expansion plans. 

“It varies,” he said. “We never had a unanimous vote. I don’t think you’d have a unanimous vote right now.”

Sankey, however, is not concerned about the division in his conference or that his three counterparts are in favor of doubling the CFP size. 

“Doesn't bother me. People tell me that, but I don't know if you pay attention in college sports. Positions seem to change a lot,” ESPN reported.

However, the outcome of this division and eventual voting is set to impact the SEC not just on the field.

The Financial Implications Of The 24-Team Expansion Plan

A defining factor in the conversation about the 24-team College Football Playoff is the impact it will have on the SEC financially. The league dominates regular-season television ratings and has prior commitments.

“We have a contract, so pretty committed,” Greg Sankey, the SEC Commissioner, said, according to On3. 

Last season, SEC football games averaged 4.9 million viewers in the regular season compared with 2.8 million for the Big Ten, Sports Business Journal reported.

The Alabama Crimson Tide, Tennessee Volunteers, Georgia Bulldogs, and Texas Longhorns draw out most viewership.

Sankey believes that the earlier shift in the CFP model was beneficial and issued a warning over Big Ten Commissioner Tom Petitti’s ambitions. 

“Four to 12 was monumental, I think it was justifiable, and you want to be careful about how far you go,” Sankey said per On3. 

The CFP expansion from 4 to 12 teams was proposed in 2021 and officially launched in 2024. This move fundamentally changed the post-season format.

Another topic set to be discussed is whether a bigger playoff will devalue the SEC's regular season, which, according to ESPN, “concerns” Sankey significantly. Apart from the expansion plan, NIL enforcement and governance will also remain important topics of discussion. 

What are your thoughts on this proposition? Tell us in the comments.

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar