What happened: The College Football Playoff and ESPN have reached a handshake agreement to air an expanded 24-team postseason tournament, per Chicago Tribune and ESPN's Heather Dinich and Pete Thamel. Final administrative details and formal approvals remain before the deal is official.

Why it matters: Doubling the current 12-team field for the 2027 season would reshape regular-season elimination stakes across the sport and lock in ESPN's broadcast rights for the larger bracket.

What to watch: CFP stakeholders and network executives must finalize contract terms and secure formal board ratification before the 2027 format takes effect.