From NBC Sports · · 1m
ESPN CFP Expand College Playoff to 24 Teams
ESPN and CFP agree to double college football playoff to 24 teams starting 2027.
In brief
ESPN and CFP agree to double college football playoff to 24 teams starting 2027. ESPN and CFP signed a five-year $1.7 billion deal to expand college football playoff to 24 teams by 2027. Originally reported by NBC Sports.
New Deal Announcement
ESPN and CFP signed a five-year $1.7 billion deal to expand college football playoff to 24 teams starting 2027.
Playoff Structure Changes
The top eight teams in CFP rankings secure byes while No. 9 through No. 24 play in first round to cut field to 16.
Conference Championships End
SEC, Big Ten, ACC, and Big 12 conference championship games will end under new playoff structure.
Regular Season Shift
Regular season ends on Thanksgiving weekend with 'Week Zero' becoming Week 1.
Second Round Format
No. 1 seed plays winner of No. 16 vs. No. 17 while No. 2 seed faces winner of No. 15 vs. No. 18.
Player Pressure
Draft-ready players face pressure to stay in season for potential championship despite illusory goals.
The takeaway
ESPN and CFP signed a five-year $1.7 billion deal to expand college football playoff to 24 teams by 2027.
