SEC, Big Ten form advisory group to address issues in college sports

The SEC and Big Ten are creating a joint advisory group of university presidents, chancellors, and athletics directors to address the significant issues facing college athletics, the two conferences announced Friday.

"These challenges, including but not limited to recent court decisions, pending litigation, a patchwork of state laws, and complex governance proposals, compel the two conferences to take a leadership role in developing solutions for a sustainable future of college sports," the SEC and Big Ten said in a statement.

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey told Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports that the formation of the advisory board doesn't represent a move toward a breakaway from the NCAA.

"From our perspective, we have a lot that is linked to the NCAA," he said. "We want to see a healthy national organization. I think that's very much a need."

But Sankey added that "pressure is mounting" and conversations are needed about "what might a path forward mean for college sports."

Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti echoed Sankey's message, saying the two conferences have a "substantial investment" in college sports' governing body.

Petitti said that the SEC and Big Ten - the two most powerful college leagues - share an "urgency to address the common challenges we face."

The conferences said the group has "no authority to act independently and will only serve as a consulting body." Its exact nature and specific goals have yet to be determined.