CFP and ESPN reach handshake deal for 24-team playoff, sources say

The College Football Playoff and ESPN reached a handshake agreement for a 24-team playoff beginning in the 2027 season, sources told ESPN on Friday. The deal still needs board approvals and written terms. The Associated Press separately reported that the framework had been reached, with an official contract unfinished.

The current 2026 season remains under the 12-team format the CFP formally extended in January. Its championship game is scheduled for January 25, 2027, in Las Vegas.

ESPN reports that the proposed field would include 19 at-large selections, the four Power 4 conference champions and the highest-ranked Group of 6 team. The CFP has not announced an approved bracket.

Under the model described by ESPN, the top eight seeds would receive first-round byes and then host games. Teams seeded ninth through 16th would host the opening round. The report also says the change is expected to remove Power 4 conference championship games and bring the start of the season forward by a week.

The CFP’s October 10 statement on the negotiations said conversations with ESPN were continuing after the exclusive 30-day window ended October 9. The organization described the talks as constructive but said their confidentiality limited what it could disclose. It did not announce an expansion agreement.

For teams playing this fall, the published rules still call for 12 participants: the designated conference champions and seven additional selections, with Notre Dame included if it finishes in the top 12. First-round games remain on campuses, followed by bowl-hosted quarterfinals and semifinals.

Sources

• ESPN: Sources report handshake agreement for 24-team playoff
• AP: Framework reached, contract unfinished
• CFP: October 10 statement on continuing negotiations
• CFP: Current 12-team format extended through 2026–27