College Football Playoff Set to Expand to 24 Teams in 2027
College Football Playoff plans to double its field to 24 teams starting in 2027, pending final approvals.
KEY POINTS
- CFP and ESPN reached a handshake agreement for a 24-team playoff starting in 2027
- Proposed field includes 19 at-large bids and Power Four conference champions
- ESPN to pay $345 million additional annually, effectively $205 million after $140 million recovery
- Big Ten and SEC each hold about 29 percent of CFP revenue
- 2026 season stays at 12 teams pending final approvals
The College Football Playoff has reached a handshake agreement with ESPN to expand to 24 teams beginning with the 2027 season. The deal remains subject to board approval across all involved parties.
The proposed format includes 19 at-large bids, Power Four conference champions, and the highest-ranked Group of Six team. Teams seeded Nos. 1 through 8 would earn a first-round bye followed by a home game.
ESPN will pay an average additional $345 million annually for five years, effectively paying $205 million after recovering $140 million from canceled Power Four championship games. Fox is expected to receive about $50 million annually for canceling the Big Ten title game.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey wants scheduling commitments and compensation for lost conference championship revenue before signing on. Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti says tiered incentives will protect the regular season.
The Big Ten and SEC each hold about 29 percent of CFP revenue, while the ACC receives about 17 percent and the Big 12 about 15 percent.
The 2026 season will remain at 12 teams. Final details on automatic bids, bye structure, and television money distribution have not been settled.
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