ESPN has secured exclusive worldwide media rights to the newly expanded 24-team College Football Playoff, a move that reshapes how fans across the country will watch the postseason. The agreement positions the network as the sole broadcaster of the enlarged bracket.
ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said the deal "reinforces our position as the preeminent destination for college sports," according to ESPN.
The expanded playoff format, which grows the field to 24 teams, represents a significant shift for college football. With ESPN as the exclusive rightsholder, viewers will rely on the network's platforms to follow every round of the tournament.
For local fans, the arrangement means that access to the playoff will be centralized through ESPN's broadcasts and streaming services. The network's exclusive worldwide rights underscore its dominant role in college sports coverage.
The deal was reported by ESPN, which is the source of the announcement. Further details on scheduling and distribution were not immediately available.
