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CFP, ESPN ‘nearing deal’ on 24-team format to begin in 2027

The College Football Playoff (CFP) is on the verge of finalizing a landmark expansion to a 24-team format, set to launch in the 2027 season. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the CFP has submitted a formal proposal to ESPN outlining new terms for the expanded postseason, with a deal expected to materialize soon after final approvals.

This shift would eliminate the current FBS conference championship games, a change that aligns with earlier reports suggesting structural overhauls to accommodate the larger field. ESPN, which currently holds exclusive rights to the playoff through 2031, is expected to pay significantly more—at least $300 million annually—reflecting the added value of the expanded format.

The network’s existing sublicense agreement with TNT Sports (now under Skydance) for select playoff games may also see adjustments, though details remain unclear. Financially, the CFP aims to recoup lost revenue from the eliminated championship games, with ESPN’s prior allocation of $200 million for those events now redirectable toward the new deal.

The timeline for finalization was tight, as the CFP had until October 19 to secure ESPN’s agreement before rights could potentially enter an open-market bidding process.

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College Football Playoff nears agreement on 24-team expansion that could end title games