the drop. · Oct 16, 2026

College Football Playoff nears deal on 24-team expansion with potential conference title game eliminations

The College Football Playoff is close to finalizing an expansion to 24 teams, with the new format targeted to debut in 2027, according to CBS Sports reporting. The structure under discussion would include 23 at-large bids and one guaranteed berth for the top Group of Six conference champion, with no automatic spots reserved for Power Four champions. A major sticking point in negotiations has been compensating conferences for revenue lost if championship games are eliminated, with estimates suggesting the CFP could offer more than $320 million annually above ESPN's existing deal, which averages roughly $1.3 billion per year. ESPN's exclusive 30-day negotiating window expired October 9 without a final agreement, though talks are continuing, and the Big Ten and SEC — which hold ultimate authority over the format — faced a December 1 deadline to finalize a decision.

Why it matters

For brands: Corporate sponsors tied to conference championship games and bowl sites could see their agreements restructured as the playoff calendar expands and those events are potentially displaced.

For coaches: Coaches at both power and Group of Six programs would face a reshaped December schedule, including potential elimination of conference title games that currently factor into roster and game-planning decisions.

For media: Broadcasters beyond ESPN may gain rights to additional playoff rounds if the expanded package exceeds what ESPN's current deal covers, opening new distribution and advertising opportunities.

For athletes: College football players could compete in a significantly larger postseason field, giving more programs — and more athletes — a path to a national championship.

For collectives: Expanded playoff revenue and its redistribution formula — currently favoring the Big Ten and SEC — could affect how much money flows to programs and, indirectly, to NIL collectives.

Read the full story at CBS Sports

Sources

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