ESPN and the College Football Playoff on Tuesday announced a finalized agreement granting the network exclusive rights through the 2031-32 season. Financial terms were not disclosed, but worth an average of $1.3 billion annually. Two seasons remain on ESPN’s original 12-year deal for the New Year’s Six bowls and national championship game. As part of the deal, ESPN adds the four new first-round games involved in the expanded 12-team format that begins this season.
The CFP met with numerous potential media partners during recent negotiations, but no other network made a bid for any games. “We look forward to enhancing our valued relationship over the next two years, and then continuing it for six more as we embark on this new, expanded playoff era,” ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement.