“Bottom Line Is Money”: Nick Saban Explains Reasons Behind Possible CFP Expansion to 24 Teams

The College Football Playoff (CFP) is reportedly set to expand to 24 teams. Ever since the postseason tournament expanded to 12 teams a couple of seasons ago, talk of moving to 16 or 24 teams has grown.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that the CFP is close to agreeing to a deal to expand to 24 teams from the 2027 season.

Nick Saban went on the Pat McAfee Show this Friday to discuss the potential expansion. Saban said money is a major factor behind the decision.

“I loved your dissertation of how you explained all of those things, but the bottom line is money. That’s the bottom line,” said Saban. “Universities need it because of the way we’re spending more now for players. There’s still a cost to having Olympic sports, which are important, I think to be able to keep and give people opportunities to compete. And how do we do that?”

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“I loved your dissertation of how you explained all of those things, but the bottom line is money. That’s the bottom line,” said Saban. “Universities need it because of the way we’re spending more now for players. There’s still a cost to having Olympic sports, which are important, I think to be able to keep and give people opportunities to compete. And how do we do that?”

In 2024, ESPN and the CFP signed a six-year deal worth about $7.8 billion for exclusive rights to the tournament.

On Thursday, the CFP released a statement saying it had had constructive discussions with ESPN about continuing their partnership.

“Constructive discussions with ESPN continued this week,” the CFPsaid in a statement Thursday. “We have enjoyed a strong partnership with ESPN since our inception and are appreciative of the productive dialogue we have had throughout the negotiating period and continuing over the last several days. We will provide additional updates on the matters of future format and media rights when appropriate.”

“Constructive discussions with ESPN continued this week,” the CFPsaid in a statement Thursday. “We have enjoyed a strong partnership with ESPN since our inception and are appreciative of the productive dialogue we have had throughout the negotiating period and continuing over the last several days. We will provide additional updates on the matters of future format and media rights when appropriate.”

A 24-team CFP would reportedly include 19 at-large bids, the Power 4 conference champions and the highest-ranked Group of 6 team.

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