CFP, ESPN continue talks on potential playoff expansion to 24 teams
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The College Football Playoff (CFP) is continuing discussions with ESPN about media rights for a possible expansion to a 24-team playoff format, which could eliminate four conference championship games. This follows the CFP's approval of a 30-day exclusive negotiating window, giving ESPN the first opportunity to secure future broadcast rights.
The extended negotiation period is intended to assess whether expanding to a 24-team field can generate sufficient revenue to offset the loss of conference championship games, while also providing additional financial incentives to justify the expansion. The negotiations are expected to resume next week as the network gathers more information and considers a financial proposal before the CFP explores open-market options.
"While Friday, October 9 marked the end of the exclusive 30-day negotiating period with ESPN, we continue to have ongoing discussions with ESPN regarding media rights connected to potential Playoff expansion to 24 teams," the CFP said in a statement. "The dialogue throughout the window has been constructive, and we will carry these conversations forward with ESPN as we determine the path ahead. Given the confidential nature of these discussions, there isn't more to share at this time. We will provide additional updates when appropriate."
Currently, the CFP features a 12-team format.
The participants include the champions from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Big Ten Conference, Big 12 Conference, and Southeastern Conference (SEC), as well as the highest-ranked champion from one of the following conferences: American Athletic Conference, Conference USA, Mid-American Conference, Mountain West Conference, Pac-12 Conference, or Sun Belt Conference. The remaining spots go to the next seven highest-ranked teams, as determined by the CFP selection committee, regardless of conference affiliation.
For the potential 24-team format to be implemented as early as next season, it must receive approval from both the Big Ten and SEC by December 1. If ESPN and the CFP fail to reach an agreement during the 30-day window, the CFP will be free to consider offers from other media partners.
If the CFP implemented a 24-team playoff, the college football calendar would require significant adjustments. The regular season would likely begin a week earlier, officially kicking off on Week 0, and conclude around Thanksgiving weekend. These changes would allow enough time for the expanded playoff format while giving athletes a week of rest before the playoffs begin.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: CFP, ESPN continue talks on potential playoff expansion to 24 teams
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