College conference leaders discuss playoff expansion and eligibility rules

Conference leaders opened their annual spring meeting Monday to discuss the future structure of college athletics. Officials currently holding national titles in football and basketball reviewed several open issues including playoff size and player eligibility rules.

The NCAA expanded March Madness from 68 to 76 teams last month and approved beer and wine sponsorships to create a new $300 million revenue stream. An arbitration decision also upheld rules on name-image-likeness payments to athletes.

Playoff expansion proposal A proposal to expand the College Football Playoff from 12 to 24 teams has gained support from additional conferences and the American Football Coaches Association. Officials said the larger field would give more programs access and maintain investment incentives for athletic departments.

The current 12-team playoff format remains in place for the upcoming season. Any change for 2027 would require agreement by the end of December.

Legislation and eligibility changes Debate continues in Congress over legislation that would grant limited liability protection to athletic programs. The bill has been under consideration for more than a year. The NCAA is also moving toward a five-year eligibility window that would eliminate most redshirt seasons.

Officials said the change would help athletic departments manage revenue-sharing funds totaling $20.5 million per school.