CFP to open ESPN negotiation window, 24 teams possible - ESPN

Leaders of the College Football Playoff on Tuesday agreed to open a 30-day negotiating window with ESPN, signaling their greatest interest yet in a 24-team CFP field that could begin as soon as 2027.

While those within the room insist this is not a commitment to a 24-team field at this time, the move does indicate that the Big Ten and SEC now agree it's worth a discussion with the event's sole rights holder to see what the value of it would be.

«The CFP has decided to move forward in its evaluation of potential Playoff expansion to 24 teams by beginning a media rights discussion with ESPN,» the CFP said in a statement Tuesday. «This does not represent a decision or commitment to expand, but rather an opportunity to engage with ESPN and gather additional information to help determine a path forward. The CFP will provide additional updates when appropriate.»

It's possible the negotiating window could start as soon as Wednesday, according to a source. Opening the window will help determine whether a 24-team field will generate enough revenue to compensate for the loss of conference championship games and bring in additional revenue. The Power 4 conference championship games have media value of at least $200 million, according to sources, and that doesn't include the tens of millions the games generate in tickets, sponsorships and other game-day revenue.

The season would begin on what is now dubbed Week 0 and end on Thanksgiving weekend. Those involved in the Army-Navy game are considering moving what's been dubbed «America's Game» into the following Saturday instead of the league title games.

The Big Ten and SEC need to agree on the future format by Dec. 1 if it's going to change in time for next season because they have