The College Football Playoff and ESPN have signed a five-year agreement worth nearly $1.7 billion to expand the field to 24 teams beginning in 2027. This deal eliminates Power 4 conference championship games as currently structured and marks a significant shift in the sport's postseason. ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro stated the partnership remains committed to elevating the CFP in its new format.
The arrangement includes 19 at-large bids, Power 4 conference champions, and the highest-ranked Group of 6 team. Notre Dame no longer receives an automatic bid if not ranked sufficiently. The top eight teams receive first-round byes, with early rounds hosted at higher seeds.
The playoff begins the second weekend in December 2027 and concludes with the national championship on Jan. 24, 2028, in New Orleans. The New Year's Six bowls will host quarterfinals and semifinals. Army-Navy will now be played on Dec. 4 with a standalone window.
The change comes just two seasons after the field expanded from four to 12 teams.
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing