The School Soccer Playoff and ESPN have agreed on a brand new six-year extension value a complete of $7.8 billion that may preserve playoff video games on the ESPN household of networks via the 2031-32 season, in accordance with The Athletic. The playoff nonetheless has two years remaining on its present take care of ESPN, with the community holding rights to first-round, quarterfinal, semifinal and championship video games for the 12-team playoff, which is able to make its debut following the 2024 common season. The Athletic notes that underneath the brand new extension, ESPN would have the power to sublicense video games to different networks.
The total contract is not going to be full till CFP leaders determine on a brand new format for the 12-team mannequin following the Pac-12’s efficient dissolution.
That format transferring ahead might be an actual sticky level. The School Soccer Playoff Administration Committee initially agreed on a 6+6 mannequin for the expanded 12-team format, during which the six highest-ranked convention champions would routinely qualify and the remaining “at-large” bids would go to the following six highest-ranked groups.
However since 10 faculties left the Pac-12 to affix the Huge Ten and Huge 12, leaving Oregon State and Washington State of their wake, a number of prolific figures have pushed for a 5+7 mannequin that will lower the variety of computerized convention champion bids by one whereas leaving an additional slot for an at-large staff. This could profit energy conferences just like the Huge Ten and SEC, which added to their arsenal of perennial contenders throughout the newest wave of realignment.
Based on CBS Sports activities’ Dennis Dodd, the CFP Administration Committee met on Jan. 8 — the day of Michigan’s School Soccer Playoff Nationwide Championship win — to undertake a brand new mannequin. The Pac-12, with Washington State president Kirk Schulz as its consultant, requested to delay the vote.
Nonetheless, momentum appears to be swinging in the direction of the 5+7 mannequin.
“I might be shocked if we do not have a 5-7 playoff,” CFP Board of Managers chairman Mark Keenum, president at Mississippi State, mentioned, in accordance with Dodd. “The Pac-12 Convention has requested to attend a few weeks.”
The 2024 season is ready to kick off on Aug. 24 with a four-game Week 0 slate.
