Entertainment
Reportedly, College Football Playoff to expand to 24 teams in 2027
Fox News reports, citing sources, that the Playoff field will grow to 24 teams and early rounds will move to campuses.
The short version
- Fox News reports, citing sources, that the College Football Playoff will expand from 12 to 24 teams beginning in 2027.[Fox News]
- According to sources, the 24-team bracket would include 19 at-large bids and five automatic bids, one for each Power Four conference and one for a Group of Six team.[Fox News]
- Sources say the first two rounds would be played on campuses, and fewer bowl games would take place starting in 2027.[Fox News]
- ESPN is reportedly expected to agree to a deal to broadcast the expanded format and buy the additional games, with a Thursday meeting set to present financial terms; its current deal runs through 2031.[Fox News]
Key facts
- The College Football Playoff field is reported to expand from 12 to 24 teams beginning in 2027.[Fox News]
- The 24-team bracket is reported to include 19 at-large bids and five automatic bids, one for each Power Four conference and one for a Group of Six team.[Fox News]
- According to sources, the first two rounds of the expanded tournament will be played on campuses.[Fox News]
- Sources indicate fewer bowl games will take place beginning in 2027.[Fox News]
- ESPN's current deal to broadcast the College Football Playoff runs through 2031.[Fox News]
- A meeting between ESPN and Playoff representatives is set for Thursday to present the financial aspects of the expansion deal.[Fox News]
What remains uncertain
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.