Selection Process

What is the new selection process?

• In Nashville, we struck a six-year agreement with the SEC to take on the Big Ten (through a unique partnership with the TaxSlayer Bowl) each year.
• We are now equally positioned with five other Bowl games (Outback, TaxSlayer, Advocare Texas, Belk, and Autozone Liberty) immediately following the College Football Playoff and Capital One Bowl.
• The SEC office controls selection of SEC schools with input from both the Bowls and Universities within the above-mentioned six Bowl group.
• Over the course of the next six years, the SEC will play Big Ten team three times in our game.
• The TranspPerfect Music City Bowl and TaxSlayer Bowl will decide together for "Selection Sunday." The rotation is not pre-determined giving the Bowls maximum flexibility in creating the best match-ups for their respective SEC opponent.

What does this mean for you, the college football fans?

• Objective is to optimize the on-field match-ups by getting the right teams in the right city in the right year
• Fewer repeat match-ups
• New teams in new cities
• SEC will provide a team every year in an increased "selection" position
• Expanded footprint with the addition of the Big Ten as a third conference partner
• Maximum flexibility in match-up creation through unique conference agreements and partnership with the TaxSlayer Bowl

What did it take to get here?

• To gain access to this improved selection process, conference payouts increased significantly from $3.675M to $5.5M.  That represents a 50% increase in payouts from the Bowl to the participating conferences.

How are we paying for it?

• All revenue streams have increased:
• Tickets through new price levels and increased prices that are comparable with our new peer Bowls
• All sponsorships have been increased (both major and minor)
• ESPN’s Television rights
• Support of the Metro Event Marketing Fund