CFP Begins Evaluating Potential Expansion to 24 Teams

The College Football Playoff announced Tuesday that it is moving forward with its evaluation of a potential expansion from 12 to 24 teams.

The CFP will begin media rights discussions with ESPN to gather more information before deciding how to move forward.

“The CFP has decided to move forward in its evaluation of potential Playoff expansion to 24 teams by beginning a media rights discussion with ESPN,” the CFP said in a statement.

“This does not represent a decision or commitment to expand, but rather an opportunity to engage with ESPN and gather additional information to help determine a path forward.”

The College Football Playoff currently uses a 12-team format. Under the current setup, conference champions from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC receive spots alongside the highest-ranked champion from the American, Conference USA, MAC, Mountain West, Pac-12, or Sun Belt. The next seven highest-ranked teams complete the field.

Notre Dame also earns a spot if it finishes among the top 12 teams in the final CFP rankings.

A move to 24 teams would double the size of the current Playoff and represent another major change to college football’s postseason.