College Football Playoff expansion could cost ESPN’s monopoly

The 2026 season will not bring another expansion of the College Football Playoff. That doesn't mean expansion is off the table, though. In fact, it still appears more likely than not.

The biggest hurdle is ESPN's grip on the current tournament. The network owns the exclusive broadcast rights through a 14-team playoff field. Any expansion beyond that would open the door for other broadcasters to bid on the rights.