The expansion would likely wipe out Power Four conference championship games under a 19+4+1 format.
The College Football Playoff is closing in on a deal to double its field from 12 to 24 teams, with the new format targeted to start in 2027. According to sources, an agreement is expected to come together soon, pending final approvals.
The expansion was reportedly hatched by Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti and his staff back in 2025, an idea that initially drew skepticism before gaining traction toward reality. Prior reporting indicates a 24-team field would necessarily eliminate Power Four conference championship games, reshaping how the season builds toward the postseason.
ESPN will retain exclusive broadcast rights to the 24-team playoff through the 2031 season, which lines up with when the network's current deal was set to run out anyway. The move follows the relatively smooth rollout of the 12-team playoff, which expanded access for at-large teams without gutting the importance of the regular season, easing some of the fears that greeted the last expansion.
Still, going from 12 to 24 teams is a bigger structural shift than the last jump, touching everything from opening weekend scheduling to how the national championship picture takes shape. Final confirmation of the format and deal terms is expected in the near future.