Southeastern and Big Ten Conferences unite to form advisory group

The two largest conferences in college sports have combined to form an advisory group, strengthening their bond. The group assembled will look to address the significant changes in college sports.

An announcement was released Friday evening from both the Southeastern and Big Ten Conferences that they were working together to form an advisory group. The group will feature university presidents, chancellors and athletic directors, who will work together to address the significant changes in college sports.

Despite the power and wealth of both conferences, they would not have the power to implement changes. However, they will act as consultants to the NCAA.

The Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti released a brief statement on the decision of both conferences to form the group.

""The Big Ten and the SEC have substantial investment in the NCAA and there is no question that the voices of our two conferences are integral to governance and other reform efforts. We recognize the similarity in our circumstances, as well as the urgency to address the common challenges we face.""

- Tony Petitti, Big Ten Commissioner

The changes Petitti was referring to were the recent court decisions, pending litigation, a patchwork of state laws, and complex governance proposals. Also, any other changes that could affect the future of college sports.

Tony Petitti and SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey had been working closely to find the best solution going forward, sources told ESPN.

It strengthens the two biggest conferences in college football even further. Over the course of 2022 and 2023, both conferences expanded, bringing in several of the biggest teams from other Power Five conferences.