College Football Playoff Expands to 24 Teams Starting Next Season
College Football Playoff leaders announced a new format that expands the playoff to 24 teams, starting next season, following an agreement with ESPN to accommodate 11 new games.
Fort Wayne, IN, November 9, 2026 — The College Football Playoff (CFP) is set to undergo a significant transformation, as leaders announced a new format that will expand the playoff field to 24 teams. This major change is slated to take effect starting next season.
The decision to broaden the playoff structure comes as a result of an agreement reached with ESPN. This partnership will facilitate the accommodation of 11 additional games that will be incorporated into the expanded playoff schedule. The details regarding the specific structure of the 24-team playoff, including the format for selecting and seeding teams, the schedule of the new games, and further financial implications beyond the agreement with ESPN, were not detailed in the announcement.
The expansion marks one of the most substantial alterations to the College Football Playoff system since its inception. Previously, the playoff consisted of four teams, a format that has been in place since the 2014 season. The shift to a 24-team bracket signifies a broader opportunity for more collegiate football programs to compete for a national championship.
The agreement with ESPN is critical to the execution of this expanded format. ESPN, the current media rights holder for the CFP, will be instrumental in broadcasting the increased number of playoff games. The announcement indicated that the network will accommodate 11 new games within the new playoff structure, though specific broadcast plans or scheduling details for these additional contests were not provided.
Further information on the implementation of the 24-team playoff, including how the additional berths will be allocated and the precise timeline of games, is expected to be released as the start of next season approaches. The CFP leadership has indicated that the move is intended to enhance the postseason experience and provide more opportunities for teams across the country.
Story summarized from the original created by EDDIE PELLS AP National Writer on www.wane.com, see more information here.
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