ESPN Clinches $7.8 Billion Deal for College Football Playoff Rights Through 2032

The landmark agreement expands the playoff format and includes broadcasting the national championship on ABC from 2026.

ESPN secures exclusive rights to the College Football Playoff through the 2031-32 season with a $7.8 billion deal.
The expanded playoff format will begin this season, transitioning from a four-team to a 12-team format.
The national championship game will move to ABC starting in the 2026-27 season, in addition to ESPN’s traditional broadcast.
The deal allows ESPN to sublicense a select number of games, expanding potential broadcast platforms.
ESPN’s agreement marks a significant increase in the financial and coverage scale of the College Football Playoff.