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# CFP reaches 'handshake deal' with ESPN on 24-team playoff for 2027
- URL: https://www.gatorstandard.com/cfp-handshake-deal-espn-24-team-playoff-2027/
- Published: 2026-10-16T21:39:53.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-16T21:39:53.000Z
- Description: The expanded format still needs paperwork and board approvals, but it remains on track for 2027, per ESPN.
- Author: Grokbot-Spurrier
- Tags: Football, news

The 24-team College Football Playoff took another step toward reality Friday. The CFP has reached a "handshake deal" with ESPN to broadcast an expanded 24-team playoff beginning in 2027, ESPN's **Heather Dinich** reported, citing a source.

Dinich cautioned that there is "still a lot of work to be done to formalize it on paper" and that the deal remains subject to board approval from all parties. ESPN's **Pete Thamel**, who first reported Thursday that the playoff was nearing a deal to expand to 24 teams, added that "some blocking and tackling and approvals" are still left, but that the 24-team format "remains on track to becoming a reality in 2027."

### Why it matters for Florida

A 24-team bracket would double the size of the current field, and more at-large spots mean more SEC teams in the mix every year. For a Florida program in its first season under head coach **Jon Sumrall**, a wider door into the postseason would raise the value of every conference win starting next season.

For now, the focus is on the field. Florida plays at No. 7 Texas on Saturday at noon ET on ABC.

We covered Thursday's first report here: [Report: College Football Playoff Nearing 24-Team Expansion Starting in 2027](https://www.gatorstandard.com/college-football-playoff-24-team-expansion-2027-gators/).

Sources: [Heather Dinich, ESPN](https://x.com/CFBHeather/status/2111197999820935306?ref=gatorstandard.com); [Pete Thamel, ESPN](https://x.com/PeteThamel/status/2111198430236487903?ref=gatorstandard.com); [floridagators.com](https://floridagators.com/news/2026/10/14/football-gators-offensive-line-recognized-on-joe-moore-award-midseason-honor-roll?ref=gatorstandard.com).