Greg Sankey, SEC commissioner, explains the unique contributions that Oklahoma and Texas bring to the conference. (3:21).Greg Sankey, the commissioner of the SEC, has signed a contract extension to remain with the conference until 2026. It was announced on Thursday.This extension follows Sankey's oversight of the addition of Big 12 power Oklahoma and Texas to last week's conference. In 2025, the number of SEC teams will increase to 16 with the addition of the Sooners and Longhorns."College athletics are in the midst of transformational periods, and the SEC has the fortunate to have a highly influential leader to guide us forward during this crucial time in our history," Jere Morehead, University of Georgia president, stated in a statement.He has successfully introduced change and advancement to the conference while still respecting the institution traditions that make SEC unique. His leadership and ability foster collaboration through COVID-19's pandemic created a framework that all college sports can use. Those leadership skills will be crucial as we continue to move forward with the pace of change in the coming years.After Mike Slive's resignation in 2015, Sankey, 57 took over as eighth SEC commissioner. Slive passed away in 2018.Sankey brokered a 10-year agreement between Disney and ABC that will grant ESPN and ABC exclusive broadcast rights for SEC basketball and football games beginning in 2024-25, and continuing through 2033-34.Sankey released a statement saying that he was grateful for the support from the SEC's chancellors and presidents. He also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue serving the universities and supporting the student-athletes in the Southeastern Conference. "We are at the moment of great change in college athletics. I look forward working with the SEC's campus leadership to find a way forward that will maintain the Conference's incredible success and offer opportunities for young people academically and athletically to grow."Sankey is now the longest-tenured Power 5 commissioner in college athletics, second only to Bob Bowlsby from the Big 12, who was introduced in 2012.The Big Ten has hired Kevin Warren, while the ACC hired Jim Phillips, and the Pac-12 hired George Kliavkoff as their conference leaders.
