The 10 FBS conferences and Notre Dame finalized a new $1.3 billion television contract with ESPN on Friday that will go into effect in the 2026 season, sources confirmed to CBS Sports’ Dennis Dodd. While the new TV deal was locked down as the conferences and Notre Dame agreed on a revenue distribution model, the parties involved signed a memorandum of understanding that guarantees the field will be comprised of at least 12 teams in 2026 with the option to expand to 14 at a later date. The expectation is the CFP field will feature 14 teams come the 2026 college football season.
The new contract is expected to pay the Big Ten and SEC 29% of the upcoming contract, sources told Dodd, which works out to approximately $22 million per school. The ACC will receive 17% ($13-14 million per school) and the Big 12 will sit around 15% ($12 million per school). The numbers represent a raise across the board as all Power Five institutions receive approximately $5 million per school in the previous contract.
