Overview
- The CFP must notify ESPN by Dec. 1 of any 2026 format changes, including a possible move to 16 teams.
- Sources say ESPN could consider postponing the deadline only upon a formal request from the CFP, and no such request has been reported.
- SEC commissioner Greg Sankey called a 16‑team playoff a priority and favors more at‑large selections over automatic bids.
- Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti’s side seeks more automatic qualifiers, and the two conferences must jointly approve any format changes under a 2024 agreement.
- Adding four first‑round games would require new TV windows as ESPN manages NFL Week 16 conflicts and current sublicensing of two first‑round games to TNT, ahead of a six‑year, $7.8 billion deal starting in 2026.