Only two years into this newer format, we're already pressing the issue of whether a quick jump is needed to suffice those who are struggling during these new times in college athletics where money seems to be the biggest conundrum.This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners.If you sign up or place a wager, FOX News may be compensated.
This content was created by a team that works independently from the FOX newsroom.Now, with a straight face, those in favor of expanding the playoff want you to think it's anything other than a money grab during an era in which schools are having to find different ways to raise capitol.INSIDE THE FIGHT: NIL ARMS RACE FUELING NEW PUSH FOR COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF EXPANSIONNo, this is not affecting some of the more prestigious schools in college athletics, who essentially print money in the bowels of their athletic department buildings.Indiana takes the field against Miami before the College Football Playoff national championship game between Miami and Indiana, Monday, Jan.19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida.
(AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)But, for those schools who are working overtime to create additional sources of income to pay for stadium renovations, house-settlement payouts, expensive contracts and who are also being dragged through the mud by bad television deals, the time has come to make a trip back to the bank teller in order to take out more funds.I guess we can call it an additional line of credit, or a hardship withdrawal.Right now, with the 30-day negotiating window coming to a close over the next week, ESPN is putting together an offer the network hopes will suffice those who are making the decisions on whether or not to expand the playoff.On the other hand, networks and streaming platforms outside Bristol are banking on conferences like the SEC and Big Ten not taking ESPN up on their offer, which would then take the CFP expansion to the open market.And yes, networks like FOX are hoping their cont...