Big Ten: No league championship game if college football moves to a 24-team playoff - Yahoo Sports
Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti stated that the conference would likely eliminate its championship game if college football expands to a 24-team playoff. The move is intended to manage player workload and scheduling conflicts in an expanded postseason format.
Why it matters
This represents a major structural shift in collegiate athletics that could fundamentally change the tradition and revenue models of major college football conferences.
CHICAGO (AP) — The Big Ten Conference would do away with its championship game if college football adopts a 24-team playoff.
Commissioner Tony Petitti says that's a worthwhile sacrifice to get his preferred postseason format.
"When we make this decision as a league – are we going to support 24 – that's where you start the conversation," Petitti said Tuesday as the Big Ten opened its football media days. "Are you willing to give up your championship game to have the expanded playoff?"
Pettiti mentioned this possibility back in May as he stepped up his push to double the 12-team playoff. He conceded a 24-team College Football Playoff would mean no Big Ten championship game, which has been held annually in Indianapolis since 2011.
"Yeah, I think it's pretty much we won't be playing a championship game if we go to 24," he said.
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