In a significant move for college football enthusiasts, the College Football Playoff (CFP) has secured a six-year extension with sports broadcasting giant ESPN. The deal, set to take effect in 2026, solidifies ESPN’s exclusive rights to broadcast CFP games.
Under the new agreement, ESPN will pay the CFP a staggering $1.3 billion annually. This substantial increase reflects the growing popularity of college football and the value placed on broadcasting rights.
Conference leaders from the 10 FBS conferences and Notre Dame collaborated to devise a revenue-sharing model.
The revised structure aims to address financial disparities among conferences.
Notably, the Big Ten and SEC will receive the lion’s share of the distribution, while the ACC and Big 12 will see a smaller portion. Notre Dame and the 64 Group of Five teams will also benefit.
While the exact playoff format remains undecided, the agreement includes protections and guarantees related to a 12- or 14-team format.
Automatic qualifying spots will be awarded to the champions of the major conferences and the highest-ranked Group of Five champions.
Notre Dame may secure an at-large spot based on their CFP ranking.
The distribution of revenue sparked intense discussions among conference commissioners. The new model favors the financially robust conferences, emphasizing their contribution to the sport. Previously, the five major conferences split revenue evenly, but the revised structure shifts the balance.
CFP director opens up on partnership with ESPN
“We’re going to take a deep breath, step back, and begin those conversations whenever it’s appropriate,” CFP Executive Director Bill Hancock told the Associated Press of the potential timetable.
As we approach the 2026 season, college football fans can anticipate more thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments. The CFP and ESPN continue to shape the future of the sport, ensuring that fans won’t miss a moment of the action.
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