The SEC and AAC have formed a new scheduling alliance to help both conferences have more quality win opportunities in non-conference play.
With strength of schedule more important than ever in NCAA Tournament selection process, the two leagues are joining to create a two-year home-and-home series.
The new series will begin in the 2019-20 season, with four schools from each conference set to participate.
NEWS | We've joined with the @American_Conf to create a scheduling alliance@GregSankey: "Men's basketball in the SEC has been on the rise and this scheduling alliance will help to continue the growth of the sport." https://t.co/ioas5WBlVz
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) April 18, 2019
SEC commissioner Greg Sankey commented on the importance of the new pact with the AAC:
“Men’s basketball in the SEC has been on the rise and this scheduling alliance will help to continue the growth of the sport,” he said. “This will provide four high quality games for both leagues during non-conference play.”
After landing a record-setting eight teams in the tournament in 2018, the SEC had seven teams make the field this past season while four AAC teams earned bids.
More conferences around the country could choose to implement a similar setup if this particular move works well for both leagues.
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