ESPN Strikes $1.7B Playoff Deal as Field Grows to 24

• The College Football Playoff and ESPN have reached an exclusive agreement, reportedly worth $1.7 billion, as the bracket expands to 24 teams.
• WSB-TV, WPXI, and KIRO 7 all report the deal, which locks in ESPN as the playoff’s broadcaster.
• The money reflects how valuable the event has become as the sport chases bigger audiences.
• The expansion gives the network a longer slate of must-watch games.
• It is a major win for both sides.

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