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CFP Field Could Balloon to 24 Teams
14 May
Summary
- ACC supports expanding CFP to 24 teams.
- ESPN prefers a smaller 12-16 team playoff.
- Expansion beyond 14 teams impacts ESPN's media rights.
- College basketball tournaments recently expanded.
The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has publicly endorsed expanding the College Football Playoff (CFP) to 24 teams, a position that aligns with the Big Ten conference's advocacy for a larger format. Commissioner Jim Phillips announced the ACC's stance, noting that ESPN, the primary media rights partner, has reservations about such a significant increase.
ESPN has indicated a preference for the CFP to remain between 12 and 16 teams. Expanding beyond 14 teams would likely necessitate renegotiating the existing media rights deal, which currently runs through 2031. This potential disruption could lead to ESPN sharing broadcasting inventory with other networks or streaming services.
While arguments may cite concerns about diluting the regular season's importance, financial and power considerations are likely driving ESPN's and the SEC's opposition to hyper-expansion. This debate occurs as college basketball's power brokers recently expanded both NCAA Division I tournaments from 68 to 76 teams, signaling a trend toward larger postseason fields despite potential financial uncertainties.
