College Football Playoff Not Interested in Moving Games

The College Football Playoff says there is no interest in ESPN's suggestion to move next season's semifinals from New Year's Eve to Saturday, Jan. 2.

The Sports Business Journal first reported high-ranking ESPN executives had talked to College Football Playoff officials about switching the dates for the 2016 semifinals.

College Football Playoff executive director Bill Hancock and ESPN acknowledged having discussions about a one-time schedule shift in separate statements to The Associated Press on Monday.

Next season's semifinals are scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 31, at the Orange Bowl and Cotton Bowl. The following weekend is the last of the NFL regular season, when the league plays all its games on Sunday, leaving Saturday relatively free.

ESPN pays about $470 million a year over 12 years for TV rights to the playoff.

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