"Same for one unnamed conference which sources say is in favor of ESPN retaining the rights to the CFP. The overwhelming preference is for the next contract to be bid out to multiple networks to drive up the price. Those multiple networks would televise the CFP much the same way the NFL sells its playoff rounds to different rightsholders.

Seems like good business, right? Sources tell CBS Sports there is potentially a holdout conference out there that, in theory, could -- with its vote -- squash a lucrative new contract while theoretically blocking an efficient end to this gridlock."


If this rumor is true, which conference is this? It would have to be a conference that ESPN basically controls totally, right? So either the ACC or SEC. Maybe the SEC thinks it has such a great deal with ESPN shoveling rivers of money to them that they need to have ESPN's back and protect them from competition. If it is the ACC, then maybe ESPN is promising them more money if the ACC will protect them with their vote.