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CFP, ESPN negotiating window extends to next week; no deal is expected, per report

The College Football Playoff and ESPN have failed to reach an agreement on a potential 24-team tournament format by the initial deadline. Leadership must now submit a formal proposal to the network, triggering a five-day window for a response that could extend until October 19.

If negotiations remain stalled after that date, the playoff organizers may open the bidding process to other media companies. A primary hurdle involves the financial impact of eliminating conference championship games, which are estimated to generate $300 million annually.

To maintain the current playoff structure while accounting for this lost revenue, the total rights fees would likely need to increase from the existing $1.3 billion to $1.6 billion.

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