ESPN and the College Football Playoff (CFP) have reached an agreement to expand the playoff format to 24 teams, according to a report by John Leuzzi for USA TODAY published on November 9, 2026. The deal, described as a "mega deal," represents a significant restructuring of college football's postseason championship system.
While specific financial terms and implementation details were not disclosed in the initial report, the expansion from the current format to a 24-team playoff would dramatically increase the number of programs competing for the national championship. The agreement between the sports media giant and the CFP organization signals a major shift in college football's competitive landscape and broadcasting strategy.
The move follows years of discussion about playoff expansion in college football, with various stakeholders debating the optimal number of teams, scheduling implications, and revenue distribution. A 24-team format would be the largest playoff field in the sport's modern history.
