# ESPN CFP Expand College Playoff to 24 Teams

> ESPN and CFP agree to double college football playoff to 24 teams starting 2027.
- Title: ESPN CFP Expand College Playoff to 24 Teams · NBC Sports
- Summary: ESPN and CFP agree to double college football playoff to 24 teams starting 2027.
- Keywords: espn, cfp, college football playoff, 24 teams, 2027, five-year deal, 1.7 billion, conference championships, thanksgiving weekend, NBC Sports
- Source: NBC Sports — https://nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/espn-cfp-strike-deal-to-expand-college-playoff-to-24-teams
- Published: 2026-11-09T16:27:44.044+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: espn, cfp, college football playoff, 24 teams, 2027, five-year deal, 1.7 billion, conference championships, thanksgiving weekend, 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.
## Key takeaway

ESPN and CFP signed a five-year $1.7 billion deal to expand college football playoff to 24 teams by 2027.