The College Football Playoff and ESPN finalized a five-year agreement valued at nearly $1.7 billion, expanding the playoff field to 24 teams starting in the 2027 season.
ESPN will remain the exclusive broadcast partner under the new terms. The deal eliminates conference championship games for Power 4 conferences, streamlining the regular season schedule for top teams already positioned for a postseason berth.
The expansion to 24 teams increases access for programs outside traditional powerhouses, giving more schools a path to compete for a national title. The removal of Power 4 championship games marks a significant shift from established tradition—these contests have historically been major revenue generators for conferences.
The agreement secures substantial revenue for the CFP and its member institutions through 2031 and solidifies ESPN's position as the dominant broadcaster for college football's premier postseason event.
