Indianapolis, Indiana – The College Football Playoff and ESPN reached a groundbreaking agreement that will keep the network as the exclusive media rights holder for the event until the 2031-32 season. This new contract, valued at $7.8 billion over six years, solidifies ESPN’s position as the premier broadcaster of college football in the United States.
The continued partnership between the College Football Playoff and ESPN will see an expansion in coverage, with the introduction of a 12-team format for the 2024-25 season. This development will allow ESPN to broadcast all four of the new first-round games, in addition to the network’s existing coverage of the New Year’s Six bowls and the CFP National Championship game.
ESPN’s commitment to the sport of college football is further emphasized by a separate six-year agreement, set to begin in the 2026-27 season, which includes exclusive rights to all rounds of the expanded playoff and related programming such as the CFP selection show and weekly ranking shows.
The significant financial investment made by ESPN reflects the increased number of games in the extended contract, which now includes 11 or 13 playoff games in a 12- or 14-team field. ESPN’s senior vice president, Nick Dawson, expressed confidence in the value of the deal, highlighting the anticipated excitement the expanded playoff format will bring to fans nationwide.
Starting in the 2026-27 season, fans can expect to watch the CFP National Championship game not only on ESPN but also on ABC, expanding the reach of the event to a wider audience. The agreement also grants ESPN the ability to stream or provide alternative broadcasting options across all Walt Disney Company platforms.
Looking ahead, the CFP format for this and the following season will consist of five automatic qualifiers from conference champions and seven at-large bids. While discussions are ongoing about the possibility of a 14-team field in the future, details beyond the next two seasons are yet to be finalized.
The revenue distribution plan under the new contract will bring about significant changes, particularly benefiting Big Ten and SEC schools that are set to receive over $21 million annually. Other conferences and independent teams, such as Notre Dame, will also see an increase in their share of the revenue.
With the media rights deal now in place, attention turns to the format of the College Football Playoff for 2026 and beyond. While details remain uncertain, both CFP and ESPN leaders are excited about the upcoming 12-team field and the expected boost in fan interest.
ESPN’s successful coverage of the CFP over the years has solidified its position as a leading broadcaster in college sports. The network’s expansive coverage of the CFP has set records for viewership, demonstrating the event’s popularity among fans.
This new agreement between the College Football Playoff and ESPN represents a significant milestone in the future of college football broadcasting, ensuring that fans can continue to enjoy the excitement of the sport for years to come.