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College Football Playoff Secures $7.8 Billion ESPN Deal, Escalates Financial Disparities

The new agreement favors Big Ten and SEC, leaving future playoff format undecided beyond 2025.

  • College Football Playoff stakeholders have agreed to a six-year, $7.8 billion television extension with ESPN, escalating financial disparities in intercollegiate athletics.
  • The future size of the playoff field remains undecided, with potential expansion to 14 teams in 2026-27.
  • Big Ten and SEC members will receive about $21 million annually under the new arrangement, while Group of Five schools will split 9% of the earnings.
  • The new financial structure aims to give Big Ten and SEC teams an advantage and serves as an incentive to lure other schools.
  • The agreement does not lock in a format for the CFP beyond 2025, but guarantees at least five conferences annual access to the playoff through 2031.
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