CFP, ESPN review 24-team playoff deal

The College Football Playoff says its media-rights agreement with ESPN to potentially expand the postseason from 12 to 24 teams is in the final stages of review, with a decision expected after that process. ESPN would reportedly pay an additional $345 million annually, and the expansion could begin with the 2027 season. Under the proposed format, four Power Four champions and the highest-ranked Group of Six team would receive automatic bids, with 19 at-large selections; the top eight seeds would get first-round byes, and early-round games would be played on campus. The deal is also tied to discussions about eliminating conference championship games. Supporters say expansion would give more teams a chance to compete for the title, while critics question whether a larger playoff would weaken the regular season and bowl games, particularly amid declining college football TV viewership.