IRVING, Texas — The College Football Playoff announced Saturday that talks are continuing with broadcast partner ESPN after the exclusive negotiation window for media rights expires to potentially double the size of the playoff field from 12 teams to 24 teams.
The CFP announcement came a day after the initial 30-day window ended. ESPN’s new deal, which begins this year, is worth $7.8 billion over six seasons and gives the network the option to add the first two games to any playoff expansion.
“The dialogue throughout the window has been constructive, and we will take these conversations forward with ESPN as we determine the path forward,” the CFP said in its statement. “Given the confidential nature of these discussions, there is nothing more to share at this time. We will provide additional updates when appropriate.”
Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti said Thursday that he was optimistic the CFP would expand to 24 teams during the exclusive negotiation window for ESPN, but also noted the deadline would be extended later.
The key hurdle to doubling the size of the CPF from 12 to 24 teams is recouping the revenue lost by eliminating conference championship games to accommodate the extra playoff games and whether ESPN, alone or with other media partners, can put together a meaningful financial package in the remaining time.
The playoffs expanded from four teams to 12 teams in 2024, but the CFP is using the same model for this season after executives failed to reach an expansion agreement. There is a December 1 deadline to make any changes for next season.
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