It isn't bags of cash under the table, it's pressure, connection, networks, and perks to get to a desired outcome all the insiders want.
ESPN wants the highest rating for the games Nad they have the data to know what gets you good ratings Bama, UGA, Ohio St, TX Oregon etc. One underdog but not too many and the underdog they hope doesn't go to the final.
They also know if they make the B1G and SEC mad enough, they'll walk and form their own leauge