SEC leaning towards sticking with eight-game conference schedule
During the SEC Spring Meetings, conference leaders are discussing the future schedule format, particularly with the impending arrival of Oklahoma and Texas in 2024.
Speculation has arisen about the possibility of increasing the number of conference games from eight to nine each season. However, it appears unlikely to happen according to a report by Sports Illustrated's Ross Dellenger. One of the main concerns is that the SEC's contract with ESPN does not obligate the network to provide additional revenue for adding a ninth game, which diminishes the motivation to do so.
Although a nine-game SEC schedule may not be implemented immediately, the league is considering maintaining the eight-game format for one year before reassessing the situation in 2025, provided ESPN offers extra revenue at that time. Some SEC leaders believe that a ninth game could potentially generate an additional $5 million per year. However, considering ESPN's current circumstances—such as ongoing layoffs and involvement in bidding for the expanded College Football Playoff, WWE/UFC, and NBA—it seems unlikely that the network can provide the desired financial support.
The final decision from the SEC regarding the schedule format is yet to be determined by the end of this week. Dellenger's report indicates that a majority of the league favors retaining the eight-game schedule for 2024. However, there are teams, including Georgia, Florida, LSU, Missouri, and Texas A&M, that support the addition of a ninth game.
Related Stories
Michigan State QB transfer Payton Thorne commits to Auburn
Auburn basketball lands transfer wing Chad Baker-Mazara
Auburn football lands former Jackson State WR Shane Hooks
2023 SEC quarterback rankings: KJ Jefferson takes top spot
Engage with Auburn Daily on Socials!
Join the Locked on Auburn Discord
