Michael Cross resigns as commissioner of the Southern Conference
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 28, 2026, 6:52 PM
Last updated Aug 28, 2026
Michael Cross stepped down as commissioner of the Southern Conference on August 28. During his two-year tenure, he oversaw the league's expansion with the addition of Tennessee Tech, enhancing its presence in Tennessee. Cross secured major media rights agreements with ESPN and CBS Sports and extended the men’s and women’s basketball tournament location in Asheville. Challenges during his leadership included navigating the evolving of college sports, NIL issues, and NCAA Tournament expansion discussions. His resignation raises questions about the direction of the conference moving forward.
- •Cross resigned on August 28, 2026.
- •Introduced Tennessee Tech to the conference.
- •Secured media rights through the 2031-32 season.
- •Extended Asheville as tournament host until 2035.
- •Faced challenges with NCAA and NIL changes.
- 6:52 PMYahoo Sports — Michael Cross Resigns as Commissioner of the Southern Conference
"We break down the good, and the bad, of Cross’s two year stint.
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