CFP’s exclusive ESPN window closes without 24-team deal; talks continue, response due Oct. 16–19

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The College Football Playoff’s exclusive 30-day negotiating window with ESPN over a 24-team format ended Friday, Oct. 9, without an agreement. In a statement Saturday, the CFP said it continues to have “ongoing discussions with ESPN” and called the talks constructive. CBS Sports reported that CFP leaders planned to give ESPN a final financial proposal Friday, which triggers a five-business-day review. That puts ESPN’s deadline at Oct. 16 or Oct. 19. According to CBS sources, the CFP is targeting roughly $70 million to $80 million above the value of the Power 4 conference championship games it would replace (nearly $250 million), which would put its ask above $320 million a year on top of the current deal’s roughly $1.3 billion annual average. ESPN reported the title games are valued at about $200 million. If ESPN declines, the CFP can take the 10 additional games to other networks, with ESPN keeping certain matching rights. The Big Ten and SEC must settle the format by Dec. 1 for the 2027 season.