ESPN has reached an agreement with the College Football Playoff to be the ESPN exclusive worldwide media rights holder to the expanded CFP. The new 24-team CFP will begin next season, and ESPN's deal will run through the 2031 season.
ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement that this moment reinforces ESPN's position as the preeminent destination for college sports. Since its inception, ESPN said it worked closely with the CFP to build the playoff into one of the marquee events in sports, and the announcement reflects the strength of the partnership and shared commitment to delivering even more excitement for fans in the years ahead in the new playoff format the CFP created.
Under the new format, the college football regular season will run from the week before Labor Day through Thanksgiving weekend. The first national championship game under the new 24-team model will take place on Jan. 24, 2028, as had been previously scheduled. CFP executive director Rich Clark said the management committee, made up of the 10 FBS commissioners and Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua, voted unanimously in favor of the 24-team field and revenue distribution, which will remain the same.
Stephen A. calls for teams to have stronger schedules in light of the 24-team CFP. ESPN said it will remain the sole rights holder of the event.
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing