Going against the wishes of its own television partner, the College Football Playoff will make no changes to next year’s schedule.
College Football Playoff officials have rejected a request from ESPN to move next year’s semifinals from December 31 to January 2, with executive director Bill Hancock calling the decision a “done deal” (ESPN.com, 2/5).
There has been increasing pressure in recent weeks, both from the media and from ESPN, to move next year’s semis off of New Year’s Eve. The primary concern among both parties is that fewer viewers will watch the semifinals on New Year’s Eve than on New Year’s Day, as potential viewers will be out attending holiday parties or watching New Year’s specials on the other networks.
ESPN, as Sports Business Journal reported last month, is expecting double-digit declines in viewership.
It bears repeating that the future schedule for the College Football Playoff has been publicly available for more than two years. It should come as no surprise to anyone that the semifinals will air on New Year’s Eve next season — and in 8 of the next 11.
(Thu. news via ESPN.com)
