The College Football Playoff will more than double in size under a new $1.7 billion media rights agreement with ESPN, triggering the elimination of conference championship games in 2027 and implementing the most radical changes to college football’s postseason structure in a decade.
The ’19+4+1′ Model
According to reporting from CBS Sports and On3, the expanded CFP will feature a ’19+4+1′ qualification system – 19 at-large bids, four automatic berths for Power Four conference champions, and one slot reserved for the top-ranked Group of Six champion. First- and second-round games will be played on campus sites before shifting to traditional bowl venues for the quarterfinals and semifinals.
Power Struggle Over Expansion
The move to 24 teams came despite vigorous opposition from SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, who initially pushed for a more modest 16-team expansion that would have preserved conference championship games. ESPN originally aligned with Sankey’s position but ultimately capitulated to the larger format backed by the Big Ten, ACC, Big 12, and Notre Dame.
‘The decision to expand was driven by a desire to increase opportunities for FBS programs, student-athletes, and fan bases to participate in the Playoff,’ the CFP said in a statement obtained by Breitbart Sports.
Financial Fallout for Conferences
Conference commissioners lamented the loss of their lucrative championship games, which have generated up to $250 million annually for Power 4 leagues. To offset this revenue hit, ESPN agreed to pay an additional $320 million per year on top of its existing $1.3 billion annual contract.
The five-year deal represents the latest seismic shift in college sports, following recent conference realignment moves that left the Pac-12 conference virtually extinct. While the expanded playoff creates more postseason opportunities, it effectively kills one of college football’s most anticipated regular season weekends – conference championship week.
The first 24-team playoff will take place during the 2026-27 season, with ESPN holding exclusive broadcast rights through 2031.
Source: www.breitbart.com โ https://www.breitbart.com/sports/2026/11/09/report-cfp-expands-to-24-teams-after-reaching-media-rights-deal-with-espn-conference-championship-games-eliminated/