• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, January 20, 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.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Mark Cuban shakes hands with D.J. Khaled on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, ahead of the College Football Playoff Championship game at HardRock Stadium in Miami Gardens.

College Football’s Billionaire Era Is Officially Here

Mark Cuban helped Indiana make history in the rev-share and NIL era.

Indiana ‘Culture’ and Cash Land Stunning First Title

The unlikeliness of Indiana’s historic season cannot be overstated.

Record CFP Ticket Back Above $3,000 Ahead of Kickoff

Miami-Indiana is the most expensive CFP national championship game on record.

Featured Today

Sports Goes All In on Non-Alcoholic Drinks Boom

Athletes, teams, and leagues are pouring money into the NA beverage category.
Tulsa Portal House
January 16, 2026

Inside the Tulsa Portal House: ‘This Will Translate to Wins’

The Golden Hurricane set up an over-the-top battle station for football recruiting.
Black Rabbit
January 10, 2026

The Netflix Star Who Makes Sure NBA Players Have Clean Towels

How a Nets staffer landed a breakout role on “Black Rabbit.”
January 9, 2026

NHL Ditched Its Dress Code. Hockey’s Fashion Era Arrived Quickly

With no dress code, impeccably dressed players are seeing big-money deals.
Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti walks on to the bus Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at the Miami Airport in Miami.

Curt Cignetti Is One of the Only CFP Coaches Without a GM

The Indiana coach signed an eight-year, $93 million extension midseason.
Jan 8, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck (11) reacts against the Mississippi Rebels in the second half during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium
January 17, 2026

The Man Who Made Miami an NIL Juggernaut Is Back

Miami’s well-known NIL success was kick-started by a controversial businessman.
January 17, 2026

Trump Vows to ‘Protect’ Army-Navy Game Amid CFP Expansion Talks

Trump vows an executive order giving Army-Navy an exclusive broadcast window.
Sponsored

ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025: Inside the Technology Shaping the Future of..

At ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025, ESPN showcased how AI, immersive tech, and a rebuilt direct-to-consumer platform are redefining the future of sports media.
Jan 8, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Detailed view of the jersey of Mississippi Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (6) against the Miami Hurricanes during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium
January 17, 2026

Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss Sues NCAA to Stay in College

The Rebels star quarterback has taken his eligibility fight to court.
January 16, 2026

College Football Players Seeking ‘Five for Five’ Won’t Get Extra Year

The players are seeking a sweeping change to NCAA rules.
January 16, 2026

Miami CFP Ticket Prices Inch Closer to $3K As Kickoff Nears

Prices went up Friday, with $2,915 being the cheapest ticket available.
Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Malachi Toney (10) celebrates after defeating the Mississippi Rebels 31-27 during the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl and CFP semifinal game at State Farm Stadium on Jan. 8, 2026, in Glendale.
January 15, 2026

Miami CFP Ticket Prices Are Finally Dropping. They’re Still Above $2,500

Though prices have dropped significantly, they’re still on track to make history.