24-team playoff format announced
The gist
The College Football Playoff is nearing a deal to expand to 24 teams starting in 2027.
It would come two seasons after the field tripled from four to 12.
How it unfolded
- Mar 2024ESPN and the CFP agreed to a six-year, $7.8 billion contract keeping ESPN as sole media rights holder through the 2031-32 season.
- Sep 9, 2026ESPN and the CFP entered a 30-day negotiation window to determine the value of a 24-team field.
- Oct 8, 2026CFP executive director Rich Clark endorsed both a 12-team and 24-team playoff in the same breath.