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ESPN pushing back against proposed 24-team CFP format
TL;DR
ESPN is opposing a proposed expansion of the College Football Playoff to 24 teams, advocating instead for a maximum of 16 teams. ACC commissioner Jim Phillips supports the 24-team format, citing concerns about deserving teams being excluded.
Key points
- ESPN opposes the 24-team College Football Playoff expansion
- ACC commissioner Jim Phillips supports the 24-team format
- Fox Sports and the Big Ten favor a larger playoff expansion
Mentioned in this story
ESPNACCFox SportsBig Ten
College Football Playoff
Massive media companies are pushing back against a proposed 24-team College Football Playoff, as talks of expanding continue to increase.
According to reports from Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger and Andy Staples from On3 Sports, ESPN has rebutted against the change. The multi-billion-dollar company said it wants the playoff to remain at 12 teams, with the maximum amount reaching 16.
This is per ACC commissioner Jim Phillips, who has openly voiced he is in support for a 24-team playoff. Phillips said the conference's coaches and administration support the idea because worthy teams are being left out, meaning the format deserves to be tweaked. However, the ACC is currently partnered with ESPN, where the league's contests are exclusively aired.
No final decision has been made yet on an expansion to 24 teams, but conferences across the country are beginning to weigh in on the proposal. ESPN holds exclusive rights to the CFP up to a 14-team format, a part of which is sublicensed to TNT. Meanwhile, Fox Sports and the Big Ten have endorsed an expanded postseason, even up to 28 teams.
If the expansion is implemented, some officials and higher-ups have pitched the idea of doing away with conference title games to make room for the playoff. SEC commissioner Greg Sankey has stood firm on keeping the current format and preserving conference championships.
The proposal has become one of the most unpopular potential changes in sports history. College football analysts, media and fans have all expressed a strong dislike for the 24-team expansion, which would double the current format. Each new game would bring in more revenue for the parties involved, but at what cost?
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Q&A
Why is ESPN against the 24-team College Football Playoff format?
ESPN wants to maintain the playoff at 12 teams, with a maximum of 16, due to concerns over the impact of expansion on their broadcasting rights and revenue.
What is the ACC's position on the proposed 24-team playoff?
The ACC, led by commissioner Jim Phillips, supports the 24-team playoff format, believing it would include more deserving teams that are currently left out.
Which media companies support the expansion of the College Football Playoff?
Fox Sports and the Big Ten have endorsed the idea of expanding the College Football Playoff, potentially up to 28 teams.
