CFP Expansion Uncertainty Leaves College Football’s Bowl System in Limbo
The College Football Playoff (CFP) expansion discussions have created uncertainty for the upcoming bowl season. As the deadline approaches on December 1, 2023, concerns grow among bowl executives about their future matchups and contracts. The current agreements, which dictate bowl invitations based on conference affiliations, will expire after the 2023 season.
Impending Changes in College Football’s Bowl System
With the CFP potentially expanding by 2026, executives are anxious. Derrick Fox, executive director of the Alamo Bowl, expressed the dilemma: “We wait until that decision is made.” The SEC and Big Ten hold significant sway in how the playoff structure will evolve, with differing preferences on automatic bids and selection committee formats.
- The Big Ten supports an access-based model granting four automatic bids to themselves and the SEC.
- The SEC prefers extending the current model, allowing five conference champions and selecting the remaining teams via a committee.
If an agreement isn’t reached, the CFP may maintain its existing format for the 2026-27 season, leaving the bowl system in a state of uncertainty. Steve Hogan, CEO of the Citrus and Pop-Tarts bowls, suggested that delaying decisions might be the simplest solution for bowls awaiting clarity.
Current Bowl Relationships and Expectations
Some bowls, like the Citrus Bowl, have longstanding relationships with major conferences, ensuring a steady flow of teams. Conversely, the Alamo Bowl, currently aligned with the Big 12 and Pac-12 legacy teams, may face shifting dynamics if new agreements aren’t established promptly.
Last year, the Alamo Bowl notably selected BYU and Colorado, attracting 8 million viewers, the highest numbers ever for the game. However, the Alamo Bowl’s unique selection could change by next year based on new contracts and the potential effects of CFP expansion.
Future Considerations for Bowls
Several other bowls face similar issues. The Vegas Bowl may host a Big Ten matchup, and the Holiday Bowl might explore creative solutions to address ongoing revenue problems after consecutive canceled games. Mark Neville, CEO of the Holiday Bowl, mentioned discussing relocating the game to Saudi Arabia in search of new opportunities.
| Bowl Name | Current Conference Relationships | Viewership Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Alamo Bowl | Big 12, Pac-12 legacy | 8 million viewers in previous season |
| Citrus Bowl | Big Ten, SEC | Longstanding, consistent selections |
| Holiday Bowl | Various | Explored international options due to revenue issues |
Looking Ahead
As bowl games await the CFP’s decision, executives anticipate changes could bring both challenges and growth opportunities. Conference dynamics and playoff extension might ultimately refresh college football’s bowl ecosystem. Despite the ongoing uncertainties, many believe that bowl season will maintain its appeal and viewership regardless of the eventual playoff format.
