conferences to add new members.

The main reason conferences expanded was $$$. We the proposed CFP format, autonomous conferences will double and perhaps triple the CFP distribution.

In the couple of years, prior to the pandemic, the autonomous conferences received a basic distribution of approximately $65M.

The Big 12 and SEC have a contract with the Sugar Bowl. The Sugar receives $80M in annual broadcast fees from ESPN. When the Sugar is not a semi-final game, the money passes directly to the contract conferences ($40M each).

In years when the Sugar is a semi-final, each Big 12 team gets a base distribution of $6.5M. When the bowl is not a semi-final, the receive $10.5M.

Projections for the new CFP revenue are three times the current $600M. Three times the revenue would mean that teams would receive $19.5M to $31.5M annually.

That’s more then they would receive from increased revenue by adding members.

The Big Ten and PAC 12 have the same arrangement with the Rose. The Orange splits $55M between the ACC and its opponent.