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Sports · October 15, 2026

College Football Playoff reportedly near deal to expand to 24 teams in 2027

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The College Football Playoff (CFP) is reportedly nearing a deal to expand to 24 teams starting in the 2027 season. The proposed '19+4+1' model would include 19 at-large bids, automatic bids for the four Power Four conference champions, and one bid for the highest-ranked Group of Six team. This shift, which follows a move to 12 teams in 2024, is expected to result in the elimination of conference championship games to accommodate the larger postseason schedule. ESPN is in active negotiations to broadcast the additional games, with the deal potentially adding over $320 million in annual rights fees. A final decision is expected by a December 1 deadline.

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Reported by multiple outlets

  • The CFP field is expected to expand to 24 teams starting in 2027.
  • The first two rounds of the expanded tournament will be played on campus sites.
  • The '19+4+1' model includes 19 at-large bids and 5 automatic bids (Power Four plus one Group of Six).
  • Conference championship games are likely to be eliminated to make room for the expansion.
  • The New Year’s Six bowls will host the quarterfinals and semifinals.
  • ESPN is the primary media partner in negotiations for the expanded rights.

Reported by only some outlets

  • SEC commissioner Greg Sankey's prerequisites included offsetting lost revenue and mandating 10 regular-season games against power-conference opponents.
  • The Army-Navy game may be moved to the first Saturday in December.
  • The CFP activated a clause giving ESPN five additional business days to review financial figures after an initial 30-day window expired.
  • The potential additional annual rights fee is estimated at $320 million above the current average of $1.3 billion.
  • Big Ten teams might be mandated to add a Power Four opponent to their schedules.

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