• Loading stock data...
Friday, December 26, 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

Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Chelsea FC defender Reece James (24) lifts the trophy as he celebrates with teammates as U.S. president Donald Trump after the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium.

Trump Made Sports His Playground in 2025

The president has prioritized attending games and pushing sports policy agendas.

From NBA Draft Pick to College Center: James Nnaji Joins Baylor

Several former professionals have chosen to play in the NCAA this year.
Dec 20, 2025; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels linebacker Tahj Chambers (26), defensive end Kam Franklin (5) and linebacker Jaden Yates (30) reacts after a fumble recovery against the Tulane Green Wave during the second half of a game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.

CFP First-Round Viewership Falls 7% Amid Stiff NFL Competition

Last weekend’s CFP games averaged 9.9 million viewers.
Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning celebrates during the third quarter against the James Madison Dukes at Autzen Stadium.

Oregon’s Dan Lanning Criticizes CFP’s Neutral Sites and Scheduling

The Ducks are traveling to the Orange Bowl to play Texas Tech.

Featured Today

Heated Rivalry (L to R) - Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov and Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander in Episode 104 of Heated Rivalry. Cr. Sabrina Lantos © 2025

Hockey Needed Some Virality. Then Came ‘Heated Rivalry’

No one was prepared for the Canadian show’s smash success.
Rob Manfred
exclusive
December 23, 2025

MLB Teams Fear League Will Pick Winners and Losers in Tech

One company under consideration was founded by a top MLB exec’s uncle.
December 23, 2025

What It Takes to Pull Off Florida’s First Outdoor NHL Game

The Rangers will face the Panthers in Miami’s first NHL Winter Classic.
December 14, 2025

How Pickleball Became One Massive Private-Equity Rollup

Pickleball roads lead back to billionaire Tom Dundon.
December 23, 2025

Darryn Peterson’s Family Is Making Injury Decisions, Self Says

Peterson is the projected top pick in June’s NBA Draft.
Oct 11, 2025; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive end Damon Wilson II (8) celebrates after recovering a fumble during the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
December 23, 2025

Georgia, Ex-Football Player Suing Each Other in NIL Dispute

Star DE Damon Wilson transferred to Missouri after two years at Georgia.
Sponsored

The Hidden Tech Behind Every Touchdown

Nearly two-thirds of NFL stadiums already rely on Cisco networks, and the Super Bowl will showcase the full scale of the partnership.
Nov 29, 2025; Stanford, California, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Kenny Minchey (8) runs with the football during the fourth quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium.
December 23, 2025

Notre Dame’s Future Even Cloudier After Cancelling USC Series

The historic rivalry game won’t be played in 2026 or 2027.
Dec 6, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia defensive back Jacorey Thomas (20) makes a tackle on Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard (5) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
December 23, 2025

The Year Schools Paid Their Players

Players earned millions more than ever before.
December 21, 2025

LSU Coach Lane Kiffin Earns $250K Bonus After Ole Miss’s CFP Win

LSU agreed to pay Kiffin’s performance bonus terms at Ole Miss.
December 21, 2025

CFP First-Round Results Vindicate Committee, Expose Group of 6

The early results raise questions about the selection process and future formats.