Playoff revenue distribution to increase pot for smaller conferences

DENVER -- Revenue distribution will be a chief issue as commissioners meet Monday in Denver to hash out details about the college football playoff in 2014.

The five smaller conferences expect to see a slight increase.

Big East, MAC, Mountain West, Sun Belt and Conference USA anticipate a collective share of at least 20 percent, according to a source with knowledge of the discussions.

Under the BCS format, the five smaller conferences split a 15 percent cut, though the Big East was an automatic qualifier in that model. Now, the Big East slips into the Party of Five in replace of the WAC.

The five power conferences will split the bulk of the revenue but are supportive of the top-ranked team from the smaller conferences having access to one of the six access bowls, according to ESPN's Brett McMurphy. The concept of a seventh playoff bowl has not picked up steam. McMurphy reports the bowl is "dead."

The Sugar, Orange and Rose Bowls are in the fold, and bids will soon be sent out to potential host cities for three more access bowls. The Chick-Fil-A, Cotton and Fiesta Bowls are logical destinations based on geography and tradition.

Commissioners will make recommendations to the BCS Oversight Committee while in Denver.

There's plenty of money to go around. Colleague Dennis Dodd reports ESPN has put an early price tag of close to $500 million per year. Sports Business Journal reports a 12-year deal could be worth $7.3 billion.

Check back Monday as commissioners discuss several issues, including sites of national championship games, bowl rotation and the selection committee.