... ...
Friday, September 18, 2026

CFP Board Weighs Breaking Away from the NCAA

  • Discussions are in the early stages, and no restructuring is imminent.
  • A restructure would provide autonomy for rule-making decisions in college football.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The landscape of college sports may change once again as the College Football Playoff’s board of managers considers restructuring how the sport is governed, according to ESPN.

The board, which consists of 11 college presidents and chancellors, is weighing the option for major college football not only to be governed outside the NCAA  which doesn’t oversee any portion of the sport’s postseason — but by the CFP itself.

  • Discussions are in the early stages, and no restructuring is imminent. 
  • A restructure would provide autonomy for rule-making decisions in college football.
  • It would allow smaller-budgeted schools to avoid conforming to decisions made by larger universities.

The board of managers has also considered changes to the CFP, which annually sees four teams play in two semifinal games, with the winner of each playing for a national championship title.

A new CFP format could be in place by the end of its current contract, which expires after the 2025 season.

Money Maker

Now more than ever, college football provides a lucrative opportunity for the NCAA, its member institutions, and conferences. 

On Thursday, the Big Ten secured the largest-ever media rights contract in college sports with a deal worth at least $7 billion, sources confirmed to Front Office Sports. 

The Big Ten plans to “dominate” Saturday football, according to the conference.

The deal, which includes all sports, will have rights shared between FOX, CBS, NBC, and Peacock. The expensive pact runs from July 1, 2023, through the end of the 2029-30 season.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Texas Tops AP Poll As SEC Asserts Early Dominance Over Big Ten

The Longhorns topped the latest poll after their dramatic comeback win.

MAC Asks NCAA, CFP to Overturn Western Michigan Loss

The conference had previously implied that it accepted the game’s outcome.

FCS Schools Got Paid $1M For FBS Upsets in Week 1

Three Group of 6 (non-power conference) teams were victims on Saturday.

WMU Refuses to Blame Refs, Big Ten for Last-Second Loss

“Don’t feel sorry for us,” said head coach Lance Taylor.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

9/17/26 – CFB Ratings Surge, Joe Buck’s $108M Deal, Knicks Ticket Shock

0:00

Featured Today

Fantasy Football Drafts Are Turning Into Full-Blown Vacations

Leagues are foregoing solo drafts and replacing them with in-person getaways.
Oct 4, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; General action during the first period of the game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Penn State Nittany Lions at Mullett Arena
September 10, 2026

How Military-Style Workouts in College Sports Get Dangerous

For elite athletes, high-intensity training can be “very appealing.”
September 6, 2026

Is Carolyn Tisch Blodgett the Future Face of Giants Ownership?

Amid changes at top of Giants ownership, eyes are on Tisch Blodgett.
September 4, 2026

Wild Transfer Window Shows How Premier League Towers Over Soccer

Spending in England vastly outstripped the rest of Europe.
September 3, 2026

Teams Are Spending Millions to Build Luxury Locker Rooms

It’s a recruiting pitch, a retention tool, and a seven-figure line item.
Hawkeye and Oregon fans gather for FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff Nov. 8, 2025 in front of the Old Capitol Building on the University of Iowa Campus in Iowa City, Iowa.

College Football’s London Debut Brings Big Opportunity for Fox

Kansas and Arizona State are facing off at Wembley Stadium.
September 17, 2026

Florida Senators Oppose College Sports Bill Due to Miami, FSU Ambitions

The Protect College Sports Act is moving through the Senate.
Landry Kiffin/Fifth Year
September 17, 2026

Lane Kiffin’s Daughter Seizes CFB Spotlight With Clothing Venture

“Having a family involved in college sports helps from a marketing perspective.”
Sponsored

Drew Weatherford’s Bet on the Youth Sports Economy

Drew Weatherford discusses investing across the youth, college and professional levels.
Sam Leavitt LSU
September 17, 2026

Sam Leavitt’s Injury Tag Sparks Skepticism Ahead of LSU–Ole Miss

Lane Kiffin has previously faced criticism for his handling of injury reports.
Sep 6, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels defensive coach Steve Belichick during the first quarter against the Charlotte 49ers at Jerry Richardson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
September 17, 2026

Steve Belichick Resigns As North Carolina Closes Investigation

Steve Belichick has been on medical leave since August.
Jay Williams Asset Class Front Office Sports
Exclusive
September 16, 2026

Jay Williams: ‘We All Participated’ in Cash Payments Before NIL

Williams said the payments came in “duffel bags” during the playful exchange.
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) looks to throw over Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Payton Pierce (26) during the NCAA football game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on Sept. 12, 2026. Texas won 24-23.
September 16, 2026

CFB Viewership Off to Hot Start After Texas–Ohio State Thriller

ABC averaged nearly 14 million viewers Saturday night.