One week ago, it was announced that ESPN and the College Football Playoff Committee agreed on a deal to lock each other into a contract worth over $1.3 Billion annually through the 2031 season. Today, news broke from The Athletic and various media outlets that this initial report was untrue. The deal between ESPN and the CFP is on hold.
“ESPN has agreed to terms with representatives for the College Football Playoff on a six-year, $7.8 billion extension to televise the event through 2031-32. But the commissioners and the presidents that run the CFP have not yet agreed on any aspects of the format beyond the 12-team model for the next two seasons, setting up a pivotal few days of meetings.” According to the Athletic.
What does this mean for College Football?
Many different accusations are being made. The consensus is that after the first 2 years of the CFP, many things still need to be decided. There are still decisions on the contract’s language, which teams can automatically qualify, and where money is allocated. Sponsorship/naming rights within the bowl games is also on topic as it has only been agreed upon for the first 2 years of the 12-team playoff berth.
“The terms agreement negotiated between ESPN and the firm CAA Evolution, which represents the CFP, has been in place for months, but CFP leaders still need to vote on the deal for it to take effect. Those leaders’ inability to reach consensus on topics they were hoping to settle before signing has been described by some executives involved as a “mess.’” According to the Athletic.
Just Announced
“CFP leaders on Tuesday adopted a change to the 12-team expanded playoff model, moving to a “5+7” system that incorporates five automatic qualifying spots for the highest-ranked conference champions and seven at-large spots for the next highest-ranked teams. Officials scrapped the original proposal — 6+6 — after the latest realignment wave left the Pac-12 at two members, decreasing the AQ spots and increasing the at-large selections. The proposal received the necessary unanimous 11-0 support, ending a drama-filled last few weeks of pushback from the Pac-12.” According to Yahoo Sports.
Where is the hold-up?
“Commissioners have said that they’re treating the Playoff for the 2026-27 season as a blank slate, with no special allegiance to any formats or decisions made over the past decade. But that approach means there’s a lot to settle, from automatic berths to revenue distribution, and outside onlookers are eager to see progress.” According to the Athletic.
From what it sounds like, many decisions are still up in the air after the 2025-2026 season.
Alternative Plans
There isn’t much in terms of alternative plans yet. Many fear that the joint advisory committee for the Big 10 and the SEC will dictate what the playoff will look like after the next two seasons if no decisions can be made.
Super Conferences have already formed. Power 5 is now a Power 4 with the “loss” of the Pac-12. One could only assume that with no imminent deal, more moves could be made to support the significant conferences and eliminate the smaller schools.
Read More:
College Football EA Sports Drops Exciting News on 2024 Video Game Release Date
College Football: Top 10 Returning Quarterbacks
Would you be interested in more articles like this? Follow me on X & Insta @Coach_CDowns. Check out my author page to follow along with other articles I have written.