REPORT: CFB Playoff ‘Inching Closer’ to Finalizing Future Agreement
According to a report from Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger, Big 12 and ACC presidents have voted to authorize their commissioners to “adopt the future framework related to a new CFP,” including a new-look revenue-sharing model and playoff format.
In speaking with anonymous sources, Dellenger reports that the Big 12 and ACC were thought to be most resistant to the current proposals; however, both leagues’ votes were unanimous, according to the report.
Over the next several days, the CFP Management Committee, along with all 10 FBS Conference Commissioners (and Notre Dame’s AD), will gather in hopes of locking down what the future of the Playoff will look like beginning in 2026.
Last week, Dellenger reported that the CFP was considering a new revenue-sharing model that would heavily benefit the SEC and Big Ten. The model would allow the “Power Two” to split 58% of the Playoff’s total revenue, leaving around 32% for the Big 12 and ACC and another 15% for the Group of Five schools.
While the top conference would make nearly double the estimated $400 million that the Big 12 would get in this new model, it’s not all bad news.
Dellenger also reports that no school’s revenue will decrease going forward, as the College Football Playoff is expected to earn three times more than it did during the four-team era. This means a big uptick in revenue cuts and another major change to the current format.
“Major conference schools currently receive about $6 million in distribution from the CFP.” Dellenger writes. “The SEC and Big Ten schools will see their annual distribution triple if not quadruple into the low $20 million range. The Big 12 and ACC are set to see a doubling of their previous amounts. Notre Dame is expected to receive its own annual distribution that, as well, is expected to increase significantly from its current distribution.
According to the latest proposal, there is not expected to be a participation-distribution concept as part of the new revenue model — a change that leaders made to the original proposal circulated last week. The current model calls for participating teams to earn revenue by qualifying and then advancing through the field.
So, not only is the Big 12 expected to double its share of total CFP revenue, but it also appears that the model won’t have any ties to a participation-distribution model. Why is that notable? Well, if the Big Ten and SEC occupy, say, eight of the proposed 14 spots in the 2026 playoff, their cut will still be the same as it is when only five or six teams from the two leagues get in.
While it sounds like the Playoff is getting close to locking down the financial side of the discussion, Dellenger reports that the format is further from being settled, although it does sound like some protections will be in place for the four major conference champions and the highest-ranked conference champion.
Additionally, it sounds like a 14-team format continues to be the talk of the town, with a “5+9 14-team model” starting to gain traction. Presumably, the 5+9 model would be just like the 12-team format with five auto-bids, but at-large bids instead of seven.
It’s progressing slowly, but it appears the future of the CFP is starting to round into form.
