• Loading stock data...
Thursday, November 27, 2025

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.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

LSU Agrees to Pay Brian Kelly Full $54M Buyout, Ending Lawsuit

The letter ends a monthlong saga following Kelly’s firing.
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Bo Jackson (25) runs the ball against Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Jett Elad (9) in the first half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.

In Win for NCAA, Court Overturns Eligibility for Rutgers Player

An appeals court overturned an injunction that granted Rutgers’s Jett Elad eligibility.
Nov 22, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Ju'Juan Johnson (8) runs against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers during the second half at Tiger Stadium.

Brian Kelly Claims LSU Preventing Him From Getting a New Job

The fired coach is suing the school over his $53 million buyout.

ESPN, CFP Push Expansion Deadline Back Nearly Two Months

The Dec. 1 decision deadline is moving to Jan. 23.

Featured Today

How NBA Arena Experiences Went Ultra-Luxe

For the most connected guests, the game has become a secondary attraction.
Nov 23, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the fourth quarter at SoFi Stadium.
November 24, 2025

Stafford, Rams Rise From the Pack to Super Bowl Contention

The NFL team now has the top odds to win Super Bowl LX.
Nov 16, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; NJ/NY Gotham FC celebrate after scoring during extra time against Orlando Pride at Inter&Co Stadium
November 22, 2025

The NWSL Is Growing at Breakneck Pace. Can It Keep Surging?

While the league surges, it also must survive two major challenges.
Trinity Rodman
November 20, 2025

NWSL Regular-Season Ratings See Big Surge, Playoffs Up 5%

Regular-season viewership grew by over 20%, averaging more than 200,000.

Texas Attorney General Moves to Block College Sports Enforcement Deal

Paxton’s opposition alone could be enough to kill the agreement altogether.
Oct 24, 2025; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; California Golden Bears head coach Justin Wilcox before the game at Lane Stadium.
November 24, 2025

Coaching Carousel Speeds Up, but Buyout Costs Might Slow

Twelve coaches have been fired since the season began.
Nov 23, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Nikolas Khamenia (14) lays the ball up in front of Howard Bison guard Bryce Harris (34) during the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
November 25, 2025

Post-NFL College Hoops Is New Thanksgiving Trend for CBS and Fox

Two big basketball games will air after football action on Thursday.
Sponsored

NFL QB Christian Ponder Is Preparing Athletes for Business

Former NFL quarterback Christian Ponder discusses the transition from field to boardroom.
Art Briles
November 24, 2025

Art Briles Lands First College Job Since Baylor Scandal

Baylor fired Briles in 2016.
November 23, 2025

Lane Kiffin Is at the Center of a Three-School SEC Storm

Ole Miss is expected to match the offers from LSU and Florida.
exclusive
November 22, 2025

Schools Consider Not Signing House v. NCAA Enforcement Memo

Texas Tech’s general counsel has advised the school not to sign.
NCAA
November 21, 2025

Schools Vote Against Rule Allowing College Athletes to Bet on Pro Sports

The NCAA initiated a review process for the rule approved in October.