ESPN, CFP agree to expanded playoff, but at what cost? Details of mega deal
The College Football Playoff (CFP) has finalized a landmark five-year deal with ESPN, doubling the playoff field to 24 teams starting in the 2027 season. The agreement, valued at nearly $1.7 billion, marks the largest financial commitment yet for college football’s postseason and eliminates Power Five conference championship games.
The expansion follows the 2024 move from four to 12 teams, but the new format’s scheduling challenges remain unresolved, particularly fitting an extra round into December’s crowded calendar. Former Alabama coach Nick Saban has publicly criticized the expansion, arguing that not enough teams possess the talent to compete at the national level.
The deal extends ESPN’s exclusive rights through 2031, reinforcing its dominance in college football media rights.
