Nick Saban Says 24-Team Playoff is Driven by Money, Not Title Contenders

WHO:

Fox News - Nick Saban, a former college football coach, criticized the proposed expansion of the College Football Playoff (CFP).

Newsweek - Saban discussed the proposed 24-team CFP format on the *New Heights* podcast.

Pro Football Network - Saban commented on the proposed expansion, which would affect players and coaches.

WHAT:

Fox News - Saban said, “There’s not 24 teams” that can win a national title, and argued that money is driving the expansion.

Fox News - Saban criticized increasing the playoff field from 12 to 24 teams, citing player workload and the consequences of losing conference title games.

Newsweek - Saban took a clear stance on the proposed 24-team College Football Playoff format.

Pro Football Network - A 24-team format would give more programs an opportunity to compete for a national championship but could create additional challenges for players and coaches.

Pro Football Network - Saban questioned the proposal, asking, “What Is the Reason to Actually Do It?” and saying, “It’s Too Many Games.”

Pro Football Network - The CFP was reportedly nearing the final stages of negotiations with ESPN over a media-rights agreement.

WHY:

Fox News - Saban’s objections included the increased player workload and the impact of losing conference title games.

Fox News - Saban said money, rather than the number of teams capable of winning a national title, was driving the proposed expansion.

Pro Football Network - The expanded field could provide more programs a chance to compete for a championship.

HOW:

Pro Football Network - The CFP’s reported negotiations with ESPN concerned a media-rights agreement.

Nick Saban criticized a proposed expansion of college football’s playoff to 24 teams. He said few teams could win the title and money was driving expansion. Saban warned more games could burden players and punish teams losing conference finals.