SEC and Big Ten Discuss College Athletics Issues

In a landmark meeting in Nashville, the SEC and Big Ten commissioners united against proposals from private equity firms seeking to invest in college athletics, particularly in light of rising expenses due to the NCAA's expected House settlement. Both commissioners, Greg Sankey and Tony Petitti, emphasized their commitment to maintaining self-sufficiency and expressed skepticism about the need for external funding, stating they can manage challenges independently. They reiterated that significant changes involving private equity would lack national support without their endorsement. The meeting also focused on future governance issues, the upcoming College Football Playoff, and the potential restructuring of college football, but they firmly rejected any plans that would diminish their influence. As the wealthiest conferences, their decisions will likely shape the future landscape of college sports, although they maintain that their collaboration does not imply a desire to distance themselves from other leagues. The rejection of private equity funding marks an important, though not definitive, stance against changes that could jeopardize their power.