SEC extends commissioner Greg Sankey through at least 2026

With Texas and Oklahoma set to join the SEC no later than the summer of 2025, many would understandably say league commissioner Greg Sankey deserves a contract extension for his efforts in building what seems likely to ultimately become a massive superconference. 

Sankey has reached such a deal. 

The SEC confirmed Thursday that Sankey has agreed to a contract extension that will link him with the league through at least 2026. Sankey became the conference's eighth commissioner on June 1, 2015.

"I am grateful for the support of the SEC's presidents and chancellors, and for the continuing opportunity to serve our universities while supporting the student-athletes of the Southeastern Conference," Sankey said in the prepared statement. "We are in the midst of a time of change for college athletics, and I look forward to working with the SEC's campus leaders to identify a path forward that will sustain the incredible success of our Conference and provide opportunities for young people to grow academically and challenge themselves athletically."

Per Alex Scarborough of ESPN, Sankey helped the SEC come to terms on a 10-year media rights deal with Disney this past December. Under that agreement, properties such as ESPN and ABC will become exclusive rights holders of SEC football and men's basketball beginning with the 2024-25 seasons. 

Texas and Oklahoma have both vowed to remain in the Big 12 until that conference's media rights agreement expires at the end of June 2025, but those entities could pay exit fees said to be worth "at least $75 million to $80 million" to leave the league earlier.