• Loading stock data...
Monday, March 24, 2025
Nominations Are Open for Front Office Sports Honors! Submit Now

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

Coaches Question Transfer Portal Opening in Middle of March Madness

Despite adjustments this past offseason, the NABC still has concerns.
exclusive

Warren Buffett’s March Madness Pool Has Its First $1 Million Winner(s)

For the first time, Buffett’s pool will award a $1 million prize.
Mar 22, 2025; Providence, RI, USA; McNeese State Cowboys manager Amir Khan before a second round men’s NCAA Tournament.

‘It’s Insane’: Amir Khan’s NIL Deals Are Rapidly Multiplying

The McNeese State student-manager has racked up at least 10 brand deals.

Featured Today

Mar 20, 2025; Lexington, KY, USA; Creighton Bluejays forward Jasen Green (0) dunks the ball during the second half against the Louisville Cardinals in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena

Basketball-Only Schools Could See Power Surge After House Settlement Approval 

Football teams might monopolize the revenue-sharing dollars at power conference schools.
Mar 15, 2025; New York, NY, USA; St. John's Red Storm guard RJ Luis Jr. (12) after hitting a three-point basket against the Creighton Bluejays in the second half at Madison Square Garden.
March 20, 2025

Perfect Storm: St. John’s Biggest Fans Can’t Bet on the School

In the No. 1 sports betting market, the Red Storm are off-limits.
Nov 9, 2024; Kansas City, MO, USA; in a NWSL playoff match at CPKC Stadium.
March 19, 2025

The ‘Groundswell and Momentum’ Behind New Women’s Pro Sports Venues

Women’s pro teams are increasingly getting their own new stadiums and facilities.
Mar 13, 2025; New York, NY, USA; American businessman and St. John's donor Mike Repole stands and applauds during the second half against the Butler Bulldogs at Madison Square Garden.
March 18, 2025

‘Back in the Spotlight’: How Mike Repole’s Millions Pulled St. John’s Into..

The billionaire-fueled renaissance put the Johnnies back into the national spotlight.
Mar 22, 2025; Providence, RI, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari during the first half of a second round men’s NCAA Tournament game against the St. John's Red Storm at Amica Mutual Pavilion.

Arkansas–St. John’s Showcased the New Winning Formula in the NIL Era

Two legendary, high-paid coaches and their NIL-backed rosters played a classic.
Dec 17, 2024; Frisco, TX, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers wide receiver Hudson Clement (3) catches a pass against Memphis Tigers defensive back Davion Ross (1) in the fourth quarter at Toyota Stadium.
March 21, 2025

West Virginia Says Football TikTok Ban Is Not Written Policy

WVU said Rodriguez’s TikTok ban was done verbally.
March 21, 2025

Calipari vs. Pitino: March Madness Showdown Set for Huge Ratings

St. John’s will face Arkansas in Saturday’s marquee tournament broadcast.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
March 20, 2025

Cooper Flagg Is Cleared to Play, Boosting Duke’s NCAA Title Hopes

The top-seeded Blue Devils face 16-seed Mount St. Mary’s on Friday.
March 20, 2025

McNeese State Manager Turned NIL Star Steals the Spotlight in Upset Win

The NCAA’s NIL rules exposed a gap: Student managers were never restricted.
Linda McMahon
March 20, 2025

What Trump’s Education Dept. Moves Could Mean for College Sports 

It’s unclear how Title IX will be enforced going forward.
Jan 7, 2025; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Louisville Cardinals forward James Scott (0) celebrates with guard Terrence Edwards Jr. (5) and guard Chucky Hepburn (24) during the second half against the Clemson Tigers at KFC Yum! Center. Louisville defeated Clemson 74-64.
March 19, 2025

March Madness Meets Portal Pandemonium: The New Era of Hoops

The 2025 period for players to change schools begins Monday.