The College Football Playoff is set to expand from 12 to 24 teams beginning with the 2027 season, according to an ESPN report cited by the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The expansion would include 19 at-large bids, one automatic bid for each Power 4 conference champion, and one guaranteed spot for a Group of 6 team. As part of the change, Power 4 conference championship games would be eliminated and the regular season would start one week earlier.
The CFP and ESPN are negotiating a new broadcast rights deal to accompany the expanded format, building on their current $7.8 billion agreement that runs through the 2031-32 season. The new deal is expected to be worth over $300 million more, according to The Athletic. The CFP said discussions with ESPN have been constructive and that updates on format and media rights will be shared when appropriate.
With more teams qualifying for the playoff, some bowl games may be at risk, though others could be moved to the start of the season as showcase events. John Saccenti, executive director of the Las Vegas Bowl, said it is still too early to determine the impact on the annual game but confirmed that discussions with TV partners and conferences are ongoing. He emphasized that there remains a desire for bowl games to continue.
This year’s Las Vegas Bowl is scheduled for New Year’s Eve at Allegiant Stadium and will feature an SEC team against an opponent from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, or Oregon State. The CFP national championship will be held on January 25 at the same venue. Las Vegas also hosts the Vegas Kickoff Classic, a neutral-site season-opening series managed by the Las Vegas Bowl and ESPN Events, with future matchups already scheduled through 2029.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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