• Loading stock data...
Friday, August 8, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

Expanded CFP Could Set the Stage for Next Media Rights Battle

  • The first round of games for the 12-team College Football Playoff in 2024 and 2025 are on the market.
  • If ESPN doesn’t retain those rights, the entire package will go to just one other network.
College-Football-Playoffs
Jenna Watson / USA TODAY NETWORK

Over the past few years, ESPN and Fox have solidified themselves as college football’s broadcast duopoly. Their next battleground could be in the College Football Playoff.

When the CFP expands to 12 teams in 2024, ESPN will own the quarterfinals, semifinals, and championship. But the first round, consisting of four games played on college campuses, will be up for grabs. 

Only one or two networks will have broadcast rights to the first two years of the expanded playoff, executive director Bill Hancock told reporters on Wednesday. ESPN will either gobble up the first-round games, or one other broadcaster will buy them as a package. 

As things stand, ESPN is interested in securing the rights to that inventory, FOS has confirmed — though the network will continue being “disciplined” with its bids.

The move would make sense, given ESPN’s clear intention of holding a majority of top-shelf football rights. The network purchased control of the entire SEC sports slate in 2020, boasts a long-term contract with the ACC, and even renewed with the Big 12. 

The network, which has relinquished Big Ten conference media rights, could have a bonus opportunity to put the conference’s teams on its channels.

But ESPN will probably have competition. If given the chance, Fox will be interested in those games, an industry source told FOS — though Fox “won’t break the bank” either.

Even a slice of the CFP could be a major boon for Fox, as holding postseason rights benefits regular-season ratings. (ESPN SVP Nick Dawson previously told FOS that it’s more difficult for ESPN to market regular-season Division I men’s basketball than it would be if the network owned men’s March Madness.)

Fox has paid billions for college football media rights in the last two years, between securing most of the Big Ten and bankrolling a portion of Big Ten and Big 12 realignment. It’s even invested in a pregame show, launching ‘Big Noon Kickoff’ in 2019 to compete with ESPN’s “College GameDay.”

A streamer like Apple, which almost bought the rights to the Pac-12, could swoop in. But as industry experts have previously noted, a streamer hasn’t successfully outbid a linear network for top-tier media rights. It’s unclear if NBC or CBS might be eyeing these games. 

The winner of the CFP’s early-round prize won’t be able to relax, however. 

In 2026, the rights to the entire package will go on the market. A previous estimate put the CFP’s future value at more than $2 billion, though a source recently said that number could be inflated in the current market.

Fox will likely be more aggressive in this round of negotiations than with just the first round in 2024 and 2025, especially if a championship game is involved, the industry source said. ESPN has also expressed its intention to come out swinging in the bidding war.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Etienne

A ‘College Football RedZone’ Is an ESPN Gold Mine—in Theory

The network would have to strike new deals with its rivals.

More RedZones? 10 Burning Questions With ESPN’s Pitaro and NFL’s Schroeder

The execs behind the landmark ESPN-NFL deal sat down with FOS.
Oct 3, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; A general overall view of the NFL Network building adjacent to SoFi Stadium.
exclusive

ESPN Taking Over NFL Network’s Lease Near SoFi Stadium

The network is picking up a little real estate in its mega-deal.

Featured Today

Inked Under Anesthesia: Athletes Getting $50,000 Tattoos

High-end studios, elite artist teams, and hours under anesthesia.
Coco Gauff at New York Liberty
August 2, 2025

How the New York Liberty Became the Hottest Ticket in Town

Once banished to the burbs, the Libs are now Brooklyn’s marquee attraction.
Las Vegas sign
July 29, 2025

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.

March Madness Fields Will Stay Put at 68—at Least Until 2027

NCAA tournament expansion is still on the table for 2027.
Stanford
August 1, 2025

John Donahoe Taking Over Stanford Sports After Rocky Nike Tenure

John Donahoe will be Stanford’s AD after a four-year stint running Nike.
May 4, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; The BYU Cougars against the Long Beach State 49ers at St. John Arena
August 4, 2025

Federal Judge Tells Stephen F. Austin to Reinstate Women’s Sports Teams

Schools may not be able to follow through on threats of cuts.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
NCAA Track
July 31, 2025

NIL Collectives Can Still Pay College Athletes, With Some Restrictions

NIL collectives will still play a pivotal role in recruiting.
Rutgers
July 28, 2025

Rutgers Finds New Athletic Director After Almost a Year

Rutgers’s previous athletic director, Pat Hobbs, resigned in August 2024.
Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Mitchell Evans (88) runs the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second half in the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
July 25, 2025

‘More Bark Than Bite’: What Trump’s Executive Order Means for College Sports

“This all comes down to Congress and the courts.”
July 24, 2025

UNC’s Bill Belichick Brings His NFL Swagger to ACC Media Days

UNC is becoming one of the most interesting stories in college football.