CFP Nears ESPN Deal for 24-Team Playoff

The College Football Playoff is nearing, but has not finalized, a deal with ESPN to expand from 12 to 24 teams beginning in 2027. The proposal gives seeds 1–8 first-round byes and home games in the second round, while seeds 9–24 play first-round games on campus; the field would include the four Power Four champions, the highest-ranked Group of Six champion and 19 at-large teams. The plan has gained support among conference leaders, including the SEC, but supporters’ claims of broader access and increased revenue—potentially more than $300 million annually—face concerns that expansion could diminish regular-season games; reports also cite substantial fan opposition. December campus games could pose weather and player-health concerns, especially for northern schools. Conference championship games could be eliminated, and scheduling, revenue sharing and bowl games remain unresolved; the current 12-team format is expected to remain in place this season.