Greg Sankey addresses SEC scheduling debate, says a decision could be made this week

Greg Sankey told reporters on Monday evening that a decision regarding the future of the SEC’s scheduling model could be made this week at the league’s annual spring meetings.

While there’s long been momentum for a 9-game slate, Sports Illustrated’s Ross Dellenger reported Monday that there are numerous programs who support an 8-game SEC schedule — at least for the 2024 season.

Per Dellenger’s report, one factor is that ESPN has not been willing to increase revenue to the SEC in exchange for a 9th conference game.

However, Sankey said Monday that money “should not” be what is driving the decision on an 8-game vs. 9-game scheduling model.

A day ahead of SEC meetings in Destin, Greg Sankey spoke candidly on the SEC’s scheduling debate:
– Conference is “poised” to make a decision this week, but it is not a certainty.
– Additional $$ from ESPN should not/is not driving the decision. “Money follows, it doesn’t lead.”

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) May 29, 2023

“Money follows, it doesn’t lead,” Sankey said. “When all you do is chase money, you make a lot of bad decisions”

Sankey did not say whether he prefers an 8-game or 9-game model for the SEC moving forward.

The 2024 regular season will be the first with Texas and Oklahoma as members of the SEC. It will also be the first year with an expanded College Football Playoff.

A 9-game schedule would allow for all SEC teams to have 3 protected rivalries on an annual basis.

The SEC’s annual spring meetings will begin on Tuesday in Destin.