SEC Commissioner Hints at Breakaway League from NCAA

Greg Sankey says there is "more and more interest" among SEC schools to "go our own way" outside the NCAA structure.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 11:20pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey has acknowledged that there is growing interest among SEC member schools to potentially break away from the NCAA and form their own league, potentially in partnership with the Big Ten conference. Sankey said that while he doesn't think that's the "right decision," the idea of the SEC and Big Ten going their own way is generating "more and more interest" as the two most powerful conferences in college sports grow frustrated with the NCAA's governance.

Why it matters

The potential breakaway of the SEC and Big Ten from the NCAA would be a seismic shift in the landscape of college sports, potentially leading to the creation of a new super league that could reshape the future of college football and other NCAA sports. This move reflects the growing power and autonomy of the top conferences as they seek more control over issues like name, image and likeness (NIL) rules and playoff expansion.

The details

Sankey's comments came during an interview on "The Paul Finebaum Show" on the SEC Network. He acknowledged that some SEC member schools have expressed interest in "going our own way" outside the NCAA structure, though Sankey said he personally doesn't believe that's the right decision. The SEC commissioner said the conferences are currently working with NCAA President Charlie Baker on issues like College Football Playoff expansion, but noted that ultimately the decision-making power lies with the SEC and Big Ten leadership.

  • Sankey's comments were made during a recent interview on March 12, 2026.

The players

Greg Sankey

The commissioner of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), one of the most powerful and influential conferences in college sports.

Tony Petitti

The commissioner of the Big Ten conference, another major power player in college athletics that is reportedly considering breaking away from the NCAA alongside the SEC.

Charlie Baker

The current president of the NCAA, the governing body for college sports in the United States.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“How do we work with colleagues to solve problems? Can we do that collectively? If there's a point at which we cannot do so, I think the conversation that informs the question that you ask, 'Is there something you'd do alone?' I think that that starts to generate more and more interest.”

— Greg Sankey, SEC Commissioner (The Paul Finebaum Show)

“I've acknowledged there are those who have said we should go our own way. I don't think that's the right decision. We have relationships and responsibilities within Division I.”

— Greg Sankey, SEC Commissioner (The Paul Finebaum Show)

What’s next

Sankey and Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti are scheduled to meet with NCAA President Charlie Baker this week to discuss issues like College Football Playoff expansion, though the ultimate decision-making power will rest with the SEC and Big Ten leadership.

The takeaway

The potential breakaway of the SEC and Big Ten from the NCAA reflects the growing power and autonomy of the top college sports conferences as they seek more control over the future direction of college athletics, particularly around lucrative issues like name, image and likeness (NIL) rules and playoff expansion. This move could dramatically reshape the landscape of college sports if it comes to fruition.