College Football Playoff committee approves 24-team playoff

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - The College Football Playoff (CFP) Management Committee has officially approved expanding the postseason format to 24 teams, starting in the 2027–28 season, while securing a new media rights deal with ESPN.

Key Details of the 24-Team Format

• Timeline: Launches in 2027–28, following the final year of the 12-team format.
• Field Breakdown: Consists of 4 conference champions (ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC), the highest-ranked Group of Five champion, and the 19 highest-ranked remaining teams.
• Venues & Schedule: Features 16 on-campus games for the early rounds, traditional New Year’s Six bowl locations for quarterfinals and semifinals, and protected dates avoiding the Army-Navy game.
• Media & Structure: ESPN holds the broadcast rights via a reported 5-year, $1.7 billion agreement, and Power Four conference championship games are set to conclude.