College football’s playoff scene is in flux, with the recent shift to the 5+7 model prompting discussions about the future of the College Football Playoff (CFP) beyond 2025. The CFP Management Committee, comprising FBS commissioners and the Notre Dame athletic director, met on Wednesday to tackle key issues like playoff format, revenue sharing, and media rights.
The meeting was anticipated as a pivotal moment, with attendees expected to lay their cards on the table. Early reports suggest that conference commissioners did just that, with talks revolving around proposals that could shake up the current setup.
Particularly, the Big Ten and SEC, which formed a joint advisory board, were influential in the discussions. Sources hinted that both conferences were likely to push for multiple automatic bids to the expanded playoff. Additionally, there was talk about expanding the playoff field to include 14 or even 16 teams.
However, despite spirited discussions, concrete decisions remained elusive. Big Ten commissioner Tony Petiti acknowledged that further deliberations were needed, indicating that the idea of a 14-team format was being considered. ACC commissioner Jim Phillips echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need to find a model that benefits college football.
Yet, amidst the uncertainty, there’s a sense of urgency to reach a consensus. The playoff’s configuration is pivotal in finalizing a new media rights contract and revenue distribution framework. CFP executive chairman Bill Hancock stressed the need for timely resolutions, expressing a desire to wrap up discussions within the month.
As discussions unfold, stakeholders are keen on shaping a playoff system that serves college football’s best interests while navigating the intricacies of revenue sharing and media rights.
