GRAPEVINE (Texas) -- College Football Playoff expansion discussions have been rescheduled for Dec. 1. However, the CFP's management board must make a decision on eight to 12 teams by January if it is to expand the format in time for the 2024 season. This was the conclusion of a meeting held at the DFW Grand Hyatt on Thursday.
Hancock stated, "Everybody is looking for some sort of a deadline date and I think it should be the end of this year." But that's not a set date. You don't want things to be done in a hurry. We're not going to do this. We will take our time, be deliberate, and talk to people."
The current four-team format will continue to be in effect until the end of the contract. It is composed of the 10 FBS commissioners as well as Jack Swarbrick, Notre Dame athletic director. Hancock stated that any changes to the playoffs after that "canbe decided at any time" and that it is not currently under discussion.
Hancock stated that they are referring to the 12 year contract years 11 and 12.
Hancock stated that January is the deadline because the CFP must identify the dates and decide logistics such as lodging, convention centers, stadiums, and other details. They also have to determine the cities for the first round and the championship game.
The national title game for this year is Jan. 10, in Indianapolis. It will be followed by Jan. 9, 2023, Los Angeles, and January 8, 2024, Houston. The championship locations have not been announced for the 24-25 and 25-26 seasons.
Hancock stated, "I feel that we must get it done by January in fairness the championship game hosts as well the bowls."
Hancock was the only person who spoke to reporters on Wednesday. Hancock said that he didn't expect CFP's board members, which are the 11 presidents or chancellors who have the ultimate authority to alter the format, to be present at the December 1 meeting. Hancock declined to comment on how much support is available for eight teams as opposed to 12.
He said, "I don’t believe anybody’s keeping score." "But some people would prefer eight and some would prefer 12. "But there are some people who would prefer eight, and others who would prefer 12. I think everyone understands that the alternative is 4.
Hancock stated that the management committee had agreed to share a portion of any revenue with student-athletes. Hancock also said they were exploring all media options with multiple broadcast partners. Hancock stated that no representatives from ESPN or bowl were involved in the conversation.
Hancock stated, "There is a consensus that expanding the CFP would benefit college football."
