Greg Sankey’s 10 Years as SEC Commissioner: Reflecting on His Legacy and the COVID-19 Era

Greg Sankey has been at the helm of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) for nearly a decade, overseeing unprecedented growth, challenges, and transformations in college athletics. Since taking over from Michael Slive on June 1, 2015, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the modern SEC, from conference expansion to navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.

As he approaches his 10-year anniversary as SEC commissioner, Sankey remains reserved about reflecting on his tenure, preferring to do so upon retirement. However, with March 13 marking the fifth anniversary of the COVID-19 shutdowns, it’s an opportune time to analyze his impact on college football and the SEC’s future.

A Decade of Leadership: How Greg Sankey Elevated the SEC

When Greg Sankey took over as SEC Commissioner in 2015, he inherited a conference that was already the gold standard in college athletics. The SEC had just won seven consecutive college football national championships (2006-2012) and was leading in TV revenue, fan attendance, and recruiting. However, Sankey’s leadership has further cemented the SEC as the most dominant and influential conference in college sports.

1. SEC Expansion: The Power Move That Changed College Football

One of Sankey’s biggest decisions as commissioner was expanding the SEC by adding Texas and Oklahoma from the Big 12, a move that will take effect in 2025. This expansion was a game-changer for college football, giving the SEC a superconference status with 16 powerhouse programs.

Why the Expansion Matters:

✅ Increased TV Revenue – The SEC signed a $3 billion TV deal with ESPN/ABC in 2020.
✅ Enhanced Competition – Adding Texas and Oklahoma makes the SEC even stronger on the field.
✅ Recruiting Domination – The SEC now controls even more top-tier recruiting markets.

Sankey has proven his vision for the SEC, ensuring that the conference remains the epicenter of college football while responding to the changing landscape of conference realignment.

Handling the COVID-19 Pandemic: Sankey’s Defining Moment

March 2020 remains one of the most tumultuous periods in sports history. The outbreak of COVID-19 led to an unprecedented shutdown, canceling seasons and forcing conferences to make tough decisions.

1. The SEC’s Bold Decision to Continue Football in 2020

While the Big Ten and Pac-12 initially postponed their seasons, the SEC moved forward with a revised schedule under Sankey’s leadership.

How Sankey Managed the Crisis:

🔹 Health & Safety First – Partnered with medical experts to create strict COVID-19 protocols.
🔹 10-Game Conference-Only Schedule – Limited outside exposure while ensuring competition.
🔹 Delayed Start to Football (Sept. 26, 2020) – Allowed time to adjust safety measures.

Despite criticism, Sankey’s decision proved successful as the SEC completed its season, leading other conferences to reverse course and play as well.

2. College Football Playoff National Championship Amid COVID-19

• The 2020 SEC season ended with Alabama winning the College Football Playoff (CFP).
• Sankey’s leadership in managing the season ensured that the championship was played safely, reinforcing the SEC’s dominance.
• Other conferences that delayed their seasons (Big Ten, Pac-12) had chaotic schedules.

Sankey emerged as the most influential commissioner in college sports during this period.

Greg Sankey’s Approach to the Future of College Athletics

As Sankey looks toward his 10th year as commissioner, he continues to address major challenges in college sports, including:

1. Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Regulation

The NIL era, which allows athletes to profit from their personal brand, has changed the landscape of college athletics. Sankey has:

✅ Pushed for federal NIL legislation to create uniform rules across states.
✅ Advocated for balance – Supporting players’ rights while maintaining competitive fairness.
✅ Worked with Congress to establish NIL guidelines that prevent pay-for-play abuse.

2. College Football Playoff Expansion

The CFP is expanding from four to 12 teams in 2024. Sankey has been a driving force behind this decision, ensuring:

✔️ More SEC teams qualify for the playoffs.
✔️ More revenue from expanded TV rights deals.
✔️ Greater national interest in postseason games.

This expansion benefits the SEC, as it gives the conference a better chance to dominate the playoffs.

Looking Back on a Decade of Success: Sankey’s Legacy

With five years left on his current contract (until 2029), Greg Sankey remains one of the most powerful figures in college athletics. His tenure has been defined by:

🏆 SEC dominance in football, basketball, and baseball.
📈 Expansion, increasing revenue and TV deals.
💪 Strong leadership through the COVID-19 crisis.
🔄 Influence over NIL and College Football Playoff expansion.

When he eventually retires, Sankey will be remembered as one of the greatest commissioners in SEC history, ensuring the conference’s continued dominance and innovation.

Final Thoughts: Greg Sankey’s Impact on College Sports

As Sankey celebrates his 10th year as SEC Commissioner, his legacy is already cemented in history.

From navigating the COVID-19 pandemic to expanding the SEC with Texas and Oklahoma, his leadership has kept the conference at the top of college sports.

Even though he prefers to reflect on his career post-retirement, his impact is undeniable.

🏈 What do you think of Greg Sankey’s tenure as SEC Commissioner? Let us know in the comments!