In a significant development for college sports finance, Oregon State and Washington State have successfully negotiated an increased share of College Football Playoff (CFP) revenue distribution with the Pac-12. From 2026 to 2028, both schools will receive $3.6 million each annually, a substantial rise from the previous figure of approximately $350,000. This adjustment, representing significantly less than a 1% share (actually .002769%), comes amid a broader context of realignment within college sports, where departing schools from conferences can still earn money for those conferences through NCAA men's tournament victories. Additionally, this financial boost places Oregon State and Washington State in a better position relative to their peers, earning double what Group of Five (G5) schools make from the CFP and approaching the revenue levels of Big 12 schools in years they qualify for the CFP. Meanwhile, Big Ten/SEC distributions are north of $20M per school. Furthermore, Washington State and Oregon State will split about $2 million in tournament 'units' from every victory by departing teams.
Subplot to this years NCAA tournament: What’s left of the Pac 12 - Washington State and Oregon State - will split about $2 million in tournament “units” from every victory by departing teams Arizona, Colorado and Oregon. WSU also in tourney to earn for the Pac2 also.
Pretty big deal for Oregon State and Wazzu: for 3 years they’ll make double what the G5 makes from the CFP, but a third of the Big 12. If they still have the additional $6M incentive to make the CFP, they’re actually not far behind the Big 12 in years they make it. https://t.co/HlbFr6lh2A
College Football Playoff, Pac-12 agree to significant distribution bump for Oregon State, Washington State https://t.co/QDmWDo6mT0
Big Ten/SEC distributions will be north of $20M per school. But WSU/OSU negotiated a significant CFP bump: https://t.co/suQ82RTfkq
📷 Can confirm @BeaverFootball and @WSUCougarFB will each get $3.6 million in CFP revenue distribution from 2026-28. That's (significantly) less than a 1% share (actually .002769%) but a lot better than what they were getting -- $350K. @RossDellenger first.
Pac-12 negotiated an amended CFP distribution for Oregon St & Washington St of $3.6M each annually for at least 2026-28, sources tell @YahooSports - up significantly from original figure of ~$350K. CFP had treated OSU/WSU as any other independent not named Notre Dame (UConn).
A lovely parting gift? This summer, we'll see a seismic wave of realignment. But departing schools who make the NCAA men's tournament now--and advance--are earning money for the conferences they're about to leave. My story: https://t.co/9wxeB2bTdt