Streaming giants reportedly interested in rights to expanded College Football Playoff
The updated version of the College Football Playoff might be headed to a streaming platform.
According to a report from Front Office Sports, Apple and Amazon have had preliminary discussions about gaining some of the rights for the new 12-team format that begins in 2026.
This comes as the CFP has explored media partners for the expanded playoff. The CFP had its first formal meeting last week, with Amazon as 1 of the networks there. Other networks present included ESPN, FOX, and NBC.
Amazon and Apple have already made in-roads with sports streaming at the pro level with properties such as “Thursday Night Football”, the MLB, and MLS. However, neither have ventured into the college sphere yet.
Amazon was speculated as an early bidder for the Pac-12’s next deal. Apple was just hours away from signing an exclusive agreement with the Pac-12 prior to conference exodus on Aug. 4. The agreement offered a base ranging from $20-30 million per university, with incentives for increased subscriptions.
The report for the CFP odds for Amazon and Apple notes that it’s “unlikely that they’ll receive the semifinals or championship game. But the CFP’s new first round, which will include four games played on college campuses, could provide an opportunity for experimentation with streamers.”
Amazon declined to comment on the report and Apple didn’t immediately respond.