SEC extends commissioner Sankey through 2028

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey agreed to a contract extension through 2028, the conference announced Thursday.

Sankey, 58, initially took the role of overseeing one of the most influential conferences in college sports in June 2015. He's set to embark on his ninth season.

"I am grateful for the continued opportunity to serve and support the universities and student-athletes of the Southeastern Conference and I appreciate the confidence placed in me by the SEC's presidents and chancellors," Sankey said in a statement.

"During a time of great change in college athletics, Greg Sankey has been a positive force for advancing the SEC and a thought-leader across the national landscape," said Alabama president Stuart Bell.

"Today's announcement reflects our enthusiastic endorsement of Greg's ongoing leadership of our conference to even greater heights," said Georgia president Jere W. Morehead.

Sankey has continued to help the conference thrive after navigating the challenges presented by the pandemic. He was instrumental in the SEC agreeing to a 10-year deal with the Walt Disney Company, which will have the biggest games in both football and basketball aired exclusively on the media giant's various networks, including ABC and ESPN.

The commish was integral in the latest round of conference realignment, securing the additions of both Texas and Oklahoma beginning in 2024. Sankey was also instrumental in the expansion of the College Football Playoff field that will increase from four to 12 teams.