Greg Sankey reveals SEC schools want to break away from NCAA

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey acknowledged that some schools within the conference have discussed the possibility of breaking away from the NCAA. While this hardly seems noteworthy these days, he made it clear that he does not believe that is the right path for college athletics.

Sankey addressed the growing speculation during an appearance on The Paul Finebaum Show, days after participating in a roundtable discussion on college sports held at the White House. The meeting brought together prominent leaders from across the landscape of college athletics to discuss challenges facing the sport, including name, image and likeness compensation and the NCAA transfer portal.

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

The SEC has grown into one of the most powerful conferences in college sports, now featuring 16 member schools and enormous national influence. Some fans have suggested that the Power Four conferences could eventually operate independently from the NCAA.

Sankey said the SEC’s strength and visibility have led to such conversation, but the importance of maintaining national competition and cooperation among conferences.

“I’d be fine if every other institution and every other conference stayed right where they are,” Sankey added. 

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While the commissioner acknowledged the conference’s national prominence, he noted its geographic identity remains largely regional, with member institutions connected across the South.

Sankey concluded by explaining the priority is working collectively to establish clearer boundaries and governance for issues such as NIL and player movement. “If there’s a point at which we cannot do so, that conversation may grow, Sankey said. "But right now, our focus is working together.”

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