Texas Board of Regents approves move to SEC

by:Mrs. Tyler Thompson07/30/21

@MrsTylerKSR

(Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

To absolutely no one’s surprise, the University of Texas System Board of Regents voted unanimously to approve the school joining the Southeastern Conference once its grant of rights contract with the Big 12 expires in 2025.

“Our board met today to discuss the ever-changing landscape of collegiate athletics and the invitation from the Southeastern Conference to The University of Texas at Austin,” Board Chairman Kevin Eltife said in a statement. “Recognizing the impact this would have on our athletics programs, the board unanimously voted to approve this conference realignment upon the expiration of our current agreement with the Big 12.”

“Today’s action by the Board of Regents is in the best interests of UT student athletes, the UT Austin athletics program overall, and the university,” University of Texas System Chancellor James B. Milliken added. “This move ensures a strong future for an outstanding athletics program, providing the opportunity for our student athletes to compete at the highest levels.”

Yesterday, the SEC’s presidents and chancellors voted unanimously to invite Texas and Oklahoma into the league effective July 1, 2025.

“Today’s unanimous vote is both a testament to the SEC’s longstanding spirit of unity and mutual cooperation, as well as a recognition of the outstanding legacies of academic and athletic excellence established by the Universities of Oklahoma and Texas,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. “I greatly appreciate the collective efforts of our Presidents and Chancellors in considering and acting upon each school’s membership interest.”

The Oklahoma board of regents is also meeting today to formally accept the invitation. While July 1, 2025 is the date the schools requested to join the league, it’s widely expected they will join sooner once the legal process plays out. Both are under contract with the Big 12 until the end of the 2024-25 season with a $160 million buyout if they leave early.

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