Greg Sankey reacts to SEC-Big Ten ‘super’ league talk with Finebaum, says Senate hearing missed mark
The SEC commissioner made it known to Sen. Ted Cruz, too.
Olivia Bennett 
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey is officially slamming the door on speculation regarding a potential "super league" merger between the SEC and the Big Ten. Speaking on The Paul Finebaum Show, Sankey clarified that no such discussions exist with his Big Ten counterpart, Tony Petitti.
Setting the Record Straight
The conversation surrounding a potential merger gained traction earlier this week during a Senate Commerce Committee hearing focused on the Protect Sports Acts. According to On3, the bipartisan legislation introduced by Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) contains no specific language to prevent such a super-league move, prompting Sankey to push back against the narrative.
"What seems to be the tipping point in this discussion is this notion – an erroneous notion," Sankey told Finebaum. "I want to be clear about that. And then I shared this with Senator Cruz, along with my colleague Tony Petitti. We are not having some conversation about a merger."
Sankey emphasized that the unique identities of the conferences are vital, noting, "I do not want the SEC Network to somehow be confused with the Big Ten Network. I don’t think our fans want that. I think the debate between the fan bases of the two conferences is outstanding. That’s part of the fodder that’s there."
Critique of the Protect Sports Acts
Beyond shutting down merger rumors, Sankey voiced frustration with how the proposed Senate legislation singles out the SEC and Big Ten. He pointed to the bill's reliance on recent tax filings, which identify the two leagues as the only ones surpassing $1 billion in annual revenue.
"If we can’t do that, make that apply to the ACC and Big 12. Make that apply to the Ohio Valley Conference and my old friends in the Southland Conference," Sankey argued. "We shouldn’t be singled out because we’re not having that conversation."
Sankey also highlighted the influence of outside entities, such as private equity groups and organizations like College Sports Tomorrow, which he says have actively pitched super league concepts to him. He believes any legislation should address these external pressures comprehensively, rather than targeting specific conferences.
"If it’s wrong for the SEC and Big Ten to take that course of action, then we shouldn’t be allowing that course of action for anyone," Sankey added. "I think those are important elements."
