IRVING, Texas (AP) — The College Football Playoff announced Tuesday that it will open discussions with broadcast partner ESPN about potentially doubling the tournament to 24 teams.
“The CFP has decided to move forward in its evaluation of potential playoff expansion to 24 teams by beginning a media rights discussion with ESPN," the CFP said. “This does not represent a decision or commitment to expand, but rather an opportunity to engage with ESPN and gather additional information to help determine a path forward.”
The CFP deal that starts this season with ESPN is worth $7.8 billion over six seasons. That network would have first dibs on the first two games added to any package but the rest would be up for grabs. Fox has indicated it likes the 24-team idea, but embedded within that equation is the calculation of how much any broadcast partner would pay for a new set of games involving teams that might not garner the same ratings.
The CFP has been studying the impact of expanding the playoff from 12 to 16 or 24 teams for months amid concerns about venues, the overall college football schedule and the future of conference title games.
Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey has lobbied for 16 teams, while Big 12 and Atlantic Coast Conference leaders back a 24-team scenario that the Big Ten first put forward and still supports.
A 24-team playoff would eliminate automatic qualifiers and render conference title games — whose estimated worth are some $200 million to the Power Four leagues — virtually meaningless. But supporters say it would give all programs more access to the playoff.
The playoff expanded from four to 12 teams in 2024, but after executives failed to reach an expansion agreement, the CFP will use the same model for the 2026-27 season.
AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
Texas mascot Bevo is brought on to the field by handlers for an NCAA college football game between Texas and Texas State in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Georgia wide receiver Talyn Taylor (1) hurdles Tennessee State defensive back Mikeece Jones (3) before scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)
Florida State students react during a stadium-wide power outage before an NCAA college football game against SMU, Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Noah Lantor)
TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 8, 2026--
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has been presenting year-round projection mapping displays on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, using light and sound to showcase a wide range of artistic expressions as part of its efforts to create new nighttime tourism attractions in Tokyo.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260907649202/en/
We are pleased to announce that two new projection mapping works featuring “OTONABLUE,” the signature song of ATARASHII GAKKO!, a four-member dance and vocal group active on the global stage, and their latest song, “TTTTOKYO,” began screening on Sunday, August 23.
On opening day, a special event was held featuring ATARASHII GAKKO! and Morimoto of Tontsukatan as guests. Together with more than 2,000 visitors gathered at the venue, they led a countdown to the very first screening.
Scenes from the Opening Day of “OTONABLUE” and “TTTTOKYO”
Over 4,000 Visitors on Opening Day
On August 23, the opening day of the new shows, more than 4,000 people visited Tokyo Metropolitan Government Plaza, including fans of ATARASHII GAKKO!, tourists from Japan and overseas, and families.
Visitors shared comments such as: “I loved the way the signature neck dance from ‘OTONABLUE’ was incorporated into the visuals. It felt so immersive, almost like watching a live performance, and I found myself completely drawn in. Being able to watch the very first screening together with the members themselves made it an especially memorable experience. ”‘TTTTOKYO’ had such a strong sense of speed, like racing through Tokyo at night, and seeing that brought to life across the huge facade of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building made me want to go out and explore Tokyo after dark for myself.”
Visitors enjoyed the two new works projected on the building’s massive facade, experiencing the music and energy of ATARASHII GAKKO! on a scale unique to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
Scenes from the Opening-Day Event
ATARASHII GAKKO!, Morimoto of Tontsukatan,and the Audience Countdown Together to the Premiere
The opening-day event featured ATARASHII GAKKO! and Morimoto of Tontsukatan, with a talk session, a countdown to the first screening, and a photo session. During the talk, the guests shared their excitement about the new visuals and the appeal of the songs. The screening began with a countdown joined by the guests and the audience, creating an exciting atmosphere at the venue.
SUZUKA of ATARASHII GAKKO! commented, “I’m incredibly happy and moved by seeing what we’ve achieved so far. The visuals are so vivid and full of imagination that they make it feel like the day we travel around Tokyo in a UFO might not be far away! It’s an energetic work that sends our message from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building out to the world, so I hope everyone enjoys it.”
MIZYU said, “It was amazing to watch from the best seat in the house. This is the only place where you can see the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building doing our signature neck dance! Whether you’re a fan or not, I hope you’ll come and see it.”
RIN added, “I’m so happy to bring the lyric ‘Night Cruising under neon skies’ to life and be part of it. Everyone got so excited, just like at a live show! Next time, why not dance along while enjoying the show?”
Guest MC Morimoto of Tontsukatan closed the event by saying, “The rain cleared just in time, giving us the perfect setting. It really felt like the beginning of something legendary. I already want to see it again! I think longtime fans will love it, and even more people will get into ATARASHII GAKKO! after seeing this.”
About “ATARASHII GAKKO!”
A four-member dance and vocal group that embodies the spirit of Japan’s youth and continues to make its mark on the global stage. Known for their powerful live performances, featuring choreography created entirely by the members themselves, the group made its international debut in 2021 through 88rising, a global media company dedicated to showcasing Asian culture.
In 2023, they opened Japan’s prestigious year-end television program NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen. The following year, they performed at Coachella, one of the world’s largest music festivals, and embarked on a world tour spanning 33 cities across Europe, Asia, North America, and Japan. They continue to captivate audiences around the world with their distinctive style and electrifying performances.
Overview
“OTONABLUE”
HIGHLIGHT
Inspired by “OTONABLUE,” one of ATARASHII GAKKO!’s signature songs, this projection mapping show brings the song’s distinctive world to life.
Set to its glamorous, Showa-era pop-inspired sound and modern, high-energy rhythm, the show recreates the group’s much-talked-about head-swaying dance across the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
Enjoy a dazzling and exhilarating visual experience as the appeal of their music—expressing individuality and freedom through their entire bodies—races freely across the architecture of the building.
“TTTTOKYO”
HIGHLIGHT
A new collaboration brings the latest Tokyo-themed track, “TTTTOKYO,” by ATARASHII GAKKO!—whose influence continues to grow from Tokyo to the world—to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. As the song’s exhilarating, fast-paced sound fills the air, the lights, colors, and culture of Tokyo intersect one after another, bringing the track’s vibrant world to life across the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building through energetic visual expression. Experience a dynamic projection mapping work as the power of the four members—champions of individuality and freedom—races through Tokyo by night.
SHOWTIMES
Screenings will be held daily throughout September.
Please check the official website for the upcoming screening schedule.
*Other projection mapping works will also be shown.
Overview of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Projection Mapping: "TOKYO Night & Light"
TOKYO Night & Light has received the Travelers’ Choice Award 2026 from Tripadvisor, one of the world’s largest travel guidance platforms.
The award recognizes the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, selected from approximately 8 million listings worldwide based on traveler reviews and ratings.
This recognition further establishes TOKYO Night & Light as one of Tokyo’s leading tourist attractions.
With More Than 2,000 Visitors, ATARASHII GAKKO! and Morimoto of Tontsukatan Lead the Opening-Day Countdown
With More Than 2,000 Visitors, ATARASHII GAKKO! and Morimoto of Tontsukatan Lead the Opening-Day Countdown
