The University of Texas and University of Oklahoma officially joined the Southeastern Conference on Monday, completing a historic conference realignment that creates a 20-team superconference spanning from Florida to Missouri. The announcement was accompanied by a new media rights agreement with ESPN valued at $1.3 billion annually, making the SEC the most valuable college sports property in American history.
Texas and Oklahoma's entry ends months of speculation and legal maneuvering after the Big 12 Conference challenged the schools' exit. Under terms of the agreement, Texas and Oklahoma will pay $100 million each to the Big 12 as part of their departure, with the money distributed among remaining member schools.
"This is a transformative moment for college athletics and the SEC," Commissioner Greg Sankey said. "The addition of Texas and Oklahoma elevates our conference's competitive profile while expanding our national footprint. Together, we're positioned for unprecedented growth and influence."
The expanded SEC will feature 20 football programs competing in two seven-team divisions, with the conference championship game determining a playoff participant. The format maintains rivalry games while creating new matchups between traditional powers from the Big 12 and established SEC programs.
Critics warned that the consolidation of talent could damage college sports' competitive balance. "This is another step toward a European super league model where a handful of elite programs dominate while everyone else struggles for relevance," said sports economist Andy Schwarz. "College sports' appeal has always been regional competition and accessibility. Both are threatened."