The College Football Playoffs are finally poised for potential growth. The board of managers for the College Football Playoff is set to vote on a fresh blueprint for a playoff system consisting of 12 teams. This new model would include the five highest-ranked champions from conferences and the next seven highest-ranked teams.
The “5+7 model” presents a fairer approach to expansion in the ever-changing world of college football. It holds particular significance for the Pac-12, which has been severely impacted by the departure of 10 teams to other conferences. Only two teams, Washington State and Oregon State, remain in the conference. Kirk Schulz, the president of Washington State and the Pac-12 representative on the CFP board, suggests that they may unanimously support the proposed reformatting.
Schulz stated, “I believe there’s a sense of, ‘We’re listening to you as you requested, and the legal matters within the Pac-12 Conference have been mostly resolved. It’s time to move forward.'” Previously, Schulz had requested a delay in voting on any format changes until the Pac-12 was certain about its desired direction.
Reportedly, these requests have resulted in ongoing discussions about revenue shares from the CFP. The Pac-12 is seeking the $5-6 million owed to Power 5 institutions, as well as voting rights that are equal to the lowest per school share of the ACC, Big 10, Big 12, or SEC conference’s distribution. However, Schulz considers these requests to be a separate matter and has expressed support for the 5+7 model.
It is important to note that the Pac-12’s request would become null and void under certain circumstances, such as the dissolution of the conference, Washington State and Oregon State joining one of the aforementioned conferences, or the waiver of the right. In the next two seasons, Washington State and Oregon State will not be eligible for the automatic bid as conference champions. The Pac-12 has reached a temporary scheduling agreement with the Mountain West to complete the schedules of these two schools.
The outcome of the CFP vote holds greater significance beyond the Pac-12’s share of revenue. The Athletic reported that ESPN and the College Football Playoff have agreed to a six-year, $7.8 billion contract extension, making ESPN the primary provider of the playoff format until the 2031-32 season. However, this deal is contingent upon the finalization of the expanded playoff, and it will only be ratified once the CFP approves the new 12-team format.
According to the Source deadspin.com