IRVING, Texas (AP) — The School Soccer Playoff introduced Saturday that discussions proceed with broadcast accomplice ESPN after the top of an unique negotiating window over media rights for a possible doubling in dimension of the playoff discipline from 12 to 24 groups.
The CFP assertion got here a day after the preliminary 30-day window ended. ESPN’s new deal that begins this yr is value $7.8 billion over six seasons, and it gives the community the primary choice of including the primary two video games in any growth of the playoff.
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“The dialogue all through the window has been constructive, and we are going to carry these conversations ahead with ESPN as we decide the trail forward,” the CFP assertion stated. “Given the confidential nature of those discussions, there is not extra to share at the moment. We are going to present extra updates when acceptable.”
Large Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti stated Thursday he was optimistic that the CFP would develop to 24 groups throughout ESPN’s unique negotiating window, however he additionally indicated then that the deadline could be prolonged.
The important thing hurdle to doubling the dimensions of the CPF from 12 to 24 groups is making up the income misplaced by the elimination of convention championship video games to accommodate the additional playoff video games, and whether or not ESPN — by itself or with different media companions — can put collectively a monetary package deal that is smart within the time remaining.
The playoff expanded from 4 to 12 groups in 2024, however after executives failed to achieve an growth settlement, the CFP is utilizing the identical mannequin for this season. There’s a Dec. 1 deadline to make any modifications for subsequent season.
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