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College Football Playoff Nearing Deal for 24-Team Format in 2027

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The College Football Playoff is nearing an agreement with ESPN to expand its postseason field to 24 teams by the 2027 season.

The College Football Playoff is nearing a deal to expand the postseason field to 24 teams in 2027.
The proposed format is expected to eliminate Power 4 conference championship games and start the season a week earlier.
The 24-team field is discussed to include 19 at-large bids, four Power 4 conference champions, and the highest-ranked Group of 6 team.
The New Year's Six bowls are expected to host the quarterfinals and semifinals, while the national championship remains in January.
Teams seeded Nos. 1 through 8 would earn a first-round bye followed by a home game under the proposed tiered incentive plan.
ESPN and the CFP previously agreed to a six-year, $7.8 billion contract in March 2024 to keep ESPN as the exclusive media rights holder through 2031-32.