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The CW seeks to license College Football Playoff games from ESPN

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 3, 2026, 7:00 PM

Last updated Nov 3, 2026

The CW seeks to license College Football Playoff games from ESPN

Summary

The CW has expressed interest in licensing College Football Playoff games from ESPN, as the playoff expands to 24 teams next season. Michael Perman, the network's senior vice president of sports, confirmed the intention during a recent interview, highlighting ongoing discussions with ESPN. The CW, which already holds sublicenses for various sports, is looking to enhance its portfolio as larger networks reassess their sports rights. ESPN may sublicense some playoff games, but it remains uncertain if they will agree to CW's proposal. The CW's approach comes amid potential shifts in sports rights from other media companies.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

What We Know

•The CW is interested in CFP games as the playoff expands.
•Michael Perman confirmed discussions with ESPN.
•The CW holds other sports rights, including ACC football.
•ESPN may sublicense playoff games, but terms are unclear.
•The CW wants to enhance its sports broadcasting portfolio.

Latest Updates

7:00 PMYahoo Sports — The CW reportedly interested in licensing College Football Playoff games from ESPN

What they're saying

"
Over the last few years, The CW has grown to include a solid portfolio of sports rights. The network has ACC, Pac-12, and Mountain West football, ACC basketball, NASCAR’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, WWE NXT, and a few other minor properties. Now, the network is becoming more ambitious. As other media companies prepare to “rebalance”…
— Yahoo Sports

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