College Football Playoff Expansion Talks Heating Up
**Summary:** The 10 FBS conferences and Notre Dame are on the verge of finalizing key details that could lead to a major College Football Playoff expansion. While the revenue model has been agreed upon, the decision on whether to expand to a 14-team field remains up in the air.
Summary: The 10 FBS conferences and Notre Dame are on the verge of finalizing key details that could lead to a major College Football Playoff expansion. While the revenue model has been agreed upon, the decision on whether to expand to a 14-team field remains up in the air.
After months of negotiations, the 10 FBS conferences and Notre Dame are close to signing off on crucial details that could pave the way for a significant expansion of the College Football Playoff. The proposed agreement is a crucial step towards approving ESPN's massive six-year, $7.8 billion extension that would run through the 2031-32 season.
The new revenue model, which has been a point of contention, will see the Big Ten and SEC receive a significantly larger share of the CFP revenue compared to the ACC and Big 12. This shift is set to take effect at the start of the next contract in 2026, with the Big Ten and SEC expected to receive nearly double the share of revenue.
While the revenue model has been ironed out, key decisions regarding the potential expansion of the playoff field from 12 teams to 14 are still pending. Talks of expansion have gained momentum in recent weeks, with a 14-team field being considered. However, during a recent television interview, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey hinted at a lack of consensus among the group.
The revenue breakdown under the new model is expected to allocate roughly 29 percent annually to both the Big Ten and SEC, while the ACC will receive 17 percent, the Big 12 15 percent, and the Group of 5 conferences collectively 9 percent. Independents, including Notre Dame, will also receive a significant share, with additional performance bonuses up for grabs.
The new agreement is also said to include a provision for a review in 2028, allowing for potential adjustments based on performance or any further conference realignment. This new revenue split marks a significant departure from the previous model, where power conferences had evenly split the majority of the revenue.
The move further solidifies the financial advantage of the Big Ten and SEC over the rest of the FBS, while the Group of 5 conferences have expressed some frustration over the slight increase in payouts and the removal of performance bonuses. Despite their reservations, G5 commissioners understand the importance of staying in the fold.
As discussions continue, the parties are exploring various expansion models, with the possibility of a 14-team format on the table. While the specifics are yet to be finalized, protections for all parties involved are expected to be outlined in the framework set to be signed on Friday.
College football enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the outcome of these negotiations, as the sport inches closer to a potential 14-team playoff and a new era of competition and excitement.
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