College Football Playoff nearing deal to expand to 24 teams

Key Points:

• The College Football Playoff (CFP) is close to finalizing a deal to expand from 12 to 24 teams, with the new format expected to debut in 2027 pending final approvals.
• The proposed "19+4+1" model includes 19 at-large bids, four reserved for Power Four conference champions, and one for the highest-rated Group of Six champion, eliminating automatic bids for conference champions.
• Expansion negotiations have centered on replacing revenue lost from conference championship games, which are expected to be eliminated, with the CFP potentially offering an additional $320 million on top of the current $1.2 billion annual contract.
• The Big Ten pushed for a 24-team playoff, while the SEC initially favored a smaller 12- or 16-team format to preserve its championship game, but both conferences ultimately agreed to evaluate the larger bracket model.
• The expanded playoff would reshape the December schedule, with early rounds played on campus and quarterfinals and semifinals hosted by New Year’s Six bowls, while television rights negotiations continue, primarily involving ESPN and potential revenue distribution among conferences.