College Football Playoff Expansion: What’s Next?
College Football Playoff (CFP) leaders are holding off decisions about the long-term postseason format until the conclusion of the inaugural 12-team playoff season, says executive director Rich Clark. Scheduled to expand from four to 12 teams, the current format will run through the next two seasons, with the playoff contenders including the top five conference champions and the next seven highest-ranked teams.
In March, CFP and ESPN struck a $7.8 billion deal, ensuring ESPN’s exclusive media rights through the 2031-32 season. While expansion to a 12-team format is certain, other aspects remain undecided. The CFP management committee, including 10 FBS commissioners and Notre Dame’s athletic director Pete Bevacqua, will discuss future changes in meetings this September, January, and April.
Clark emphasized the importance of a flawless execution for this first-round of games, set to occur on the higher-seed campuses. The CFP has coordinated with all 134 FBS teams to ensure readiness for potential participation. Clark reiterated the necessity of continuous improvement, likening the process to military strategy: plan, execute, review, and adapt for long-term success.
