SEC considering 8-game conference schedule for 2024 season, per report
The SEC is still weighing its options with regards to future scheduling modoels when Texas and Oklahoma join the league in 2024, per a report.
That’s according to Sports Illustrated’s Ross Dellenger, who noted Monday that more than half the league supports playing an 8-game schedule in 2024.
There’s been momentum previously for a 9-game schedule when the Sooners and Longhorns join the league, but that appears to be waning. According to Dellenger’s report, the lack of additional revenue from ESPN in exchange for a 9th conference game is a factor in potentially sticking with the 8-game model in 2024.
However, the 8-game slate could only be temporary. Per the report, there would still be a path for the SEC to expand to a 9-game conference schedule beginning in 2025.
“That’s probably what will happen,” a high-ranking SEC administrator told Sports Illustrated. “I don’t see the desire to go to a ninth game and not have any increase from a revenue standpoint. That’s what I think comes out this week, unless something dramatic happens.”
As Saturday Down South’s Matt Hayes shared on Monday, the SEC’s future scheduling model is expected to be a hot topic at the league’s annual spring meetings this week.
A 9-game model would allow for all SEC teams to have 3 permanent opponents. According to Dellenger’s report, the proposed 8-game model for 2024 would include 2 protected rivalries.
The SEC’s annual spring meetings begin on Tuesday in Destin.