• Loading stock data...
Thursday, October 16, 2025

Power 4 Commissioners Split On Fate of Conference Title Games

  • This weekend’s conference championship games are filled with high drama.
  • Under the expanded CFP, title matchups could hold far less weight.
Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

A stacked conference championship weekend begins on Friday night. Fifth-ranked Oregon faces No. 3 Washington in the last-ever Pac-12 title game as that conference breaks up — and other championship games could be joining it in the near future.

The commissioners of the Power 4 (the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC) appear to be split on the long-term value of conference title games under an expanded College Football Playoff, according to a report from Yahoo Sports.

“It’s been the right way to do things for a while,” Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti said. “But down the road as the playoff changes, are there other ideas to consider? Yes.”

ACC commissioner Jim Phillips echoed that sentiment: “We are in a period of change and assessment. Conference championships should be assessed. Is it necessary to play a 13th game?”

The downside is that conference championship games can be worth more than $40 million in some media rights deals, per the report. Understandably, some college leaders don’t want that to change.

“From a marketing, brand and reach perspective, it’s of huge value for us,” Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark said. “We look at it as a tentpole event. It’s a great game, but also a great show.”

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey called a title game an “important part” of determining a conference champion — and the expanded playoff will give automatic bids to at least five conference champs.

Terminating conference title games for each of the Power 4 would likely require contract negotiations with their broadcast partners and could take years to put into effect.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Cody Campbell

Texas Tech Booster Cody Campbell Slams Conference PE Deals

Campbell said the concept goes against “all the laws of finance.”

Belichick’s Tar Heels Are Losing Momentum on the Field—and on TV

ESPN passed on airing Virginia–North Carolina on Oct. 25.
Oct 11, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti watches game play against the Oregon Ducks during the fourth quarter at Autzen Stadium.

How Indiana Quietly Became a Big Spender in Football

The Hoosiers are ranked No. 3 in the AP Poll, the highest in program history.

Featured Today

May 25, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Derek Jeter walks the red carpet on Sunday, May 25, 2025, ahead of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The Players’ Tribune Is Still Kicking 11 Years Later

Founder Derek Jeter is still closely involved in the publication.
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive
October 10, 2025

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Paul Cartier
October 5, 2025

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Oct 14, 2025; Birmingham, AL, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari talks with the media during SEC Media Days at Grand Bohemian Hotel.

SEC Coaches Sound Off on NIL, Revenue-Sharing: ‘Upside Down’

John Calipari doesn’t want to become “transactional.”
Patrick Kraft
October 13, 2025

Penn State Says Adidas Had No Role in James Franklin Firing or..

Franklin is owed tens of millions of dollars.
October 13, 2025

Penn State Could Owe James Franklin Very Little of Buyout

FOS has reviewed Franklin’s 2021 contract extension.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
October 13, 2025

College Football Coach Firings Nearing $100M in Contract Buyouts

Two other coaches besides James Franklin were fired Sunday.
October 12, 2025

Penn State Fires James Franklin, Will Pay Nearly $50M Buyout

The Nittany Lions lost again Saturday, falling to 3-3 this season.
Patrick Kraft
exclusive
October 11, 2025

Penn State, Adidas Deny Wrongdoing Around $300M Apparel Deal

The school and the brand publicly defended their 10-year deal Saturday.
Sep 27, 2025; Evanston, Illinois, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) passes the ball against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium.
October 10, 2025

Big Ten Vote on Investment From California Pension Expected

A vote is expected to happen as early as next week, FOS confirmed.