• Loading stock data...
Sunday, December 15, 2024

CFP Committee Reportedly Could Vote to Move on Expansion

  • University presidents could vote to expand the CFP, according to reports.
  • Depending on the vote, expansion could be possible by 2024.
CFP Pylon
Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

After over a year of stagnation — and failure to compromise — an expansion plan for the College Football Playoff may finally be formalized.

On Friday, the College Football Playoff’s Board of Managers, which includes one university president representative from every FBS conference and Notre Dame, will meet virtually to potentially vote on a new model, according to multiple reports. 

One source indicated to ESPN, however, that it’s “50-50” whether a vote takes place on Friday. “There’s momentum,” the source reportedly said. “There’s definitely momentum.”

The most likely outcome could be a 12-team playoff model, according to SI, though there is a possibility that a 16-team playoff is still on the table. The timeline for implementation could also depend on the Friday vote — if unanimous, expansion could start as early as 2024. 

That’s particularly significant given that the current four-team model is the precedent for ESPN’s exclusive CFP contract, which runs until 2026 and reportedly pays out an average of $470 million a year. Adding expansion to the existing contract in 2024 would create an extra windfall of $450 million, per SI.

A unanimous vote by presidents wouldn’t guarantee key details — commissioners would have to iron out specifics. Commissioners are reportedly slated to meet next week, however, and could be poised to take action then.

Last year, commissioners stalled on expansion for several reasons — including that conference realignment created bad blood. Some also wanted to bring the CFP media rights to market, and perhaps sell them to networks besides ESPN. 

ESPN, however, is definitely interested in renewing CFP rights, a source previously told Front Office Sports.

The news also comes amid whispers that a Power 5 or FBS football breakaway from the NCAA might be more probable than ever.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Michigan signee Bryce Underwood smiles during national signing day at Belleville High School in Belleville on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024.

Reader Mailbag: Is the NIL Era Out of Control?

Readers had a lot to say about Ellison and the NIL era.
Sep 21, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Marshall Thundering Herd running back Ethan Payne (28) dives in for the touchdown during the first quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory

Portal-Depleted Marshall Bows Out of Independence Bowl

Louisiana Tech (5–7) will take Marshall’s place.

The Top-Secret Operation to Create the Army-Navy Football Uniforms

The two-year process includes dozens of employees, NDAs, and military historians.
Mina Kimes and Ryan Clark at NFL draft

ESPN Talent Turns Its Fire on Aaron Rodgers

The network’s NFL talent ripped the QB as ‘hypocritical’ this week.

Featured Today

Nov 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of a Wilson NBA basketball held by a referee during the second half between the Utah Jazz against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena

‘Obvious Weak Point’: Refs Remain an NBA Gambling Concern

A season after Jontay Porter, the biggest risk may not be players.
Nov 2, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines cheerleader runs with a flag before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Michigan Stadium.
opinion
December 7, 2024

College Football’s Billionaire Backer Era Begins

Is this the new normal in CFB recruiting?
LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljic (9) celebrates with midfielder Riqui Puig (10) after scoring a goal against Seattle Sounders FC in the second half in the 2024 MLS Cup Western Conference Final match at Dignity Health Sports Park
December 6, 2024

With or Without Messi, Major League Soccer Is Barreling Into the Future

After the Cup final, the league looks to accelerate its growth.
Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; FIFA president Gianni Infantino claps during the awards ceremony after the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium.
December 2, 2024

FIFA Wants More Matches. Resistance Is Growing Inside the Global Soccer World

Resentment and frustration over expanded schedules is nearing a breaking point.
Georgia defensive lineman Mykel Williams (13) goes in for a sack on Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) during the second half of the SEC championship game against Texas in Atlanta, on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.

How the CFP’s On-Campus Guinea Pigs Are Handling Historic December Home Games

The biggest games in school history will be when students are home for break.
December 12, 2024

Belichick Makes UNC Intentions Clear: ‘I Didn’t Come Here to Leave’

North Carolina formally introduced Bill Belichick on Thursday.
Dec 12, 2024; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels chancellor Lee Roberts reads a transcript about new head coach Bill Belichicks’ father who served as an assistant coach at New North Carolina Tar Heels new in 1954 at Loudermilk Center for Excellence.
December 12, 2024

Belichick’s UNC Deal Contains Clause That Keeps NFL Speculation Alive

The six-time Super Bowl–winning coach will have a $10 million annual salary.
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.
December 12, 2024

Army-Navy Is Always Big. This Year’s Game Holds Special Significance

This year’s edition of America’s Game carries extra luster for several reasons.
December 12, 2024

Florida State, Still Suing ACC, Claims It Never Wanted to Leave

In court documents last December, the Seminoles said they planned to withdraw.
December 11, 2024

Bill Belichick to Take College Plunge at North Carolina

UNC made the official announcement late Wednesday.
December 11, 2024

Mountain West Adds UC Davis, Wants Northern Illinois

The Aggies’ football team will stay in the FCS.