The latest idea for college football is a big one. Former Disney executives are behind a plan that would bring in billions of dollars from private equity. This plan would create a 70-team system funded by Smash Capital, a private equity firm. The system would get $9 million to expand the college football postseason, change scheduling, and share revenue in different tiers.
This proposal comes as the College Football Playoff is growing from four teams to 12 this season. Big games that used to happen between different conferences are now happening within the same conference. The SEC and Big Ten are set to split 59% of the CFP revenue. The new plan would get rid of games against Group of Five and FCS teams. The 70 schools involved would be sold as a single media rights package.
The proposal, known as “Project Rudy,” is set to start after the current major media rights deals end around the 2031 season. Former Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick is part of the team working on this project. The SEC and Big Ten would have multiple automatic spots in the playoff field. This idea was proposed earlier in the year but was rejected.
Some people are excited about “Project Rudy,” but others have concerns. They worry that smaller schools won’t have the same opportunities. This plan might even face copyright issues because there is a company called Rudy Project that makes sunglasses for cycling.
There are other plans in the works, too. The College Student Football League, also known as “Super League,” wants to create a 72-team “Power 12” conference with 64 other teams in a “Group of Eight.” SEC commissioner Greg Sankey supports this idea and calls it a super league. Any big changes to college football would need approval from Sankey and Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti.
Private equity is becoming more involved in sports. The NFL recently allowed private equity firms to invest in teams. The Big 12 considered partnering with a private equity giant but decided against it. Private equity gives money to an organization in exchange for part ownership. Some schools in the Big 12 were worried about what this partnership would mean for them.
Over the years, there have been many proposals to change college football. A plan in 1999 suggested a 16-team playoff that would bring in billions of dollars. Now, there are multiple groups looking to reshape the sport. Each group has its own ideas and goals for the future of college football.
“Project Rudy” is just one of the many proposals out there. It aims to bring in money, change how games are played, and create new opportunities for schools. As college football continues to evolve, these proposals will shape the future of the sport.
