SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey indicated that without agreement with Big Ten on playoff format, the existing 12-team model may remain. Discussions between the two leagues revealed differing views, with the SEC preferring a 16-team playoff. A memorandum signed by FBS commissioners outlines the future media rights deal and indicates that the Big Ten and SEC hold significant control over playoff format decisions. Sankey mentioned the authority granted to these two conferences, emphasizing the need for careful decision-making.
"The Big Ten has a different view," Sankey said following his opening remarks on the first day of SEC media days at the College Football Hall of Fame. "That's fine. We have a 12-team playoff, five conference champions. That can stay if we can't agree."
Before agreeing to a new media rights deal with ESPN in March 2024, the nine FBS commissioners and Notre Dame leadership had to first sign a memorandum of understanding that outlined in broad terms what the next contract would look like.
Sankey emphasized the role the Big Ten and SEC have in the room. "Unless you're going to tear up the MOU - which maybe other people want to do because of their concerns about the decision-making authority," he said.
Sankey reiterated the possibility it could stay at 12 teams if his league and the Big Ten can't agree on what model would be best.
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