College Football Playoff news: 24-team expansion circus continues with 'necessary step'
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Speculation has steadily grown that the College Football Playoff could expand to a 24-team format relatively soon. After months of the Big Ten and SEC arguing over specific details, it sounds like the NCAA took a big step forward in the process.
Reports indicate that college football’s negotiating window with ESPN regarding the 24-team expansion has been triggered, according to Heather Dinich of ESPN. Pete Nakos of On3 Sports claims it doesn’t mean the expansion is for sure happening, but the trigger is a step that was needed for progression.
“Here’s Heather Dinich on the CFP’s 30-day negotiating window with ESPN being triggered. This doesn’t mean there’s definitely a 24-team College Football Playoff, but it’s a necessary step for that to happen,” Nakos said.
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“Leaders of the College Football Playoff on Tuesday agreed to open a 30-day negotiating window with ESPN, signaling their greatest interest yet in a 24-team CFP field that could begin as soon as 2027, sources told ESPN,” Dinich wrote.
“While those within the room insist this is not a commitment to a 24-team field at this time, the move does indicate that the Big Ten and SEC now agree it’s worth a discussion with the event’s sole rights holder to see what the value of it would be.”
Ross Dellenger of Yahoo! Sports added that ESPN can present an offer to the College Football Playoff committee. He states that a revenue increase is required, of at least $250 million, to make up for four conference championship games being canceled with the 24-team expansion taking over.
“ESPN now has 30 days to present an offer. CFP executives can either accept, or reject and move to the open market,” Dellenger reported. “The move must come with an increase in revenue – at least $250M – to compensate for the cancellation of the four conference championship games.”
Exactly when the 24-team expansion takes place is still not clear. However, it appears is now inevitably going to happen. For now, fans can enjoy the current 12-team College Football Playoff format.
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