Confused about the College Football Playoff auto-bid debate? Look to the Champions League
The English Premier League entered the final day of its season with a unique kind of drama that might soon make its way to college football.
First place had been decided a month ago, and the group of clubs being relegated to the second-tier league had already been set. Last Saturday's intrigue concerned who would qualify for the Champions League, with five teams battling for three unclaimed spots.
Advertisement
Stakes like this could be the future of college football if Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti gets his wish.
A few years ago, I spoke with The Athletic's European soccer writers about how college football was more similar to their sport than to the NFL. It remains true today. Teams don't draft players; they recruit and sign them. Big teams take players from small teams. Teams are rooted specifically in their community and can't relocate. And rumblings about a Super League face pushback as the sport's richest and most powerful organizations solidify their place at the top without a formal breakaway from the current structure.
The similarity between the two sports might soon include the championship tournament. When colleague Stewart Mandel notes that no major American sport guarantees more automatic playoff spots to certain groups than college football, he's right. But the emphasis is on American.
The UEFA Champions League, which will hold its final on Saturday when Inter Milan takes on Paris Saint-Germain in Munich, gives out an uneven number of automatic bids to each country's domestic league. There will be 82 teams across 53 European countries in next year's tournament. The top five leagues are guaranteed four spots. The sixth league gets three, the seventh- through 15th-ranked leagues get two, and everyone else gets one.
The ranking of those soccer leagues is determined by a formula that calculates how well teams from that league performed in the previous season's European competitions, and the bids handed out to each country are determined by domestic league standings.
This is essentially what the Big Ten has proposed (and the SEC hasn't yet pushed back on) for the next round of College Football Playoff expansion, just with fewer leagues and the bid allotments locked in for conferences. The proposed '4-4-2-2' split of automatic qualifiers (AQs) among the Power 4 does roughly mirror the leagues' past decade of Playoff participation.
Advertisement
'The idea that (soccer leagues) understand, they don't have a committee determining that,' Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin said this week. 'They've been able to objectively, through results and their standings, allot those opportunities. I think there's something there that we can learn from, and that's what the AQ conversation ties back to.'
Whether you like anything about this idea is a separate question, but the Big Ten's CFP idea is rooted partly in what happens across the pond.
Driving the plan is the idea that the regular-season standings will determine who makes the field, rather than a human committee. In particular, the SEC has publicly questioned the CFP committee, even though the SEC and Big Ten have garnered far more bids from that group than other leagues.
There are some obvious differences between the models. Champions League rounds are played throughout the domestic leagues' regular season, featuring clubs that qualified the previous year but may bring dramatically different rosters into the tournament. College football's tournament takes place immediately following the regular season.
Even the concept of a play-in tournament, which the Big Ten and SEC have considered setting up on conference championship weekend and selling to a broadcaster for more TV money, has a parallel in Europe.
In England's second-tier league, the first- and second-place teams are guaranteed promotion to the Premier League. Teams No. 3 through 6 have a playoff to determine who gets the last spot. A top-six finish in the regular season gives you a chance to reach promotion. Other countries and tiers have similar formats.
Under the Big Ten's idea, an Iowa team that went 8-4 in the regular season last year with no AP Top 25 wins would have a shot at the Playoff because it finished in sixth place in the conference.
Advertisement
While the Champions League has the most-watched sports final in the world, it, too, isn't immune to the demands of the richest teams. It has made constant tweaks and just last year added two more at-large spots for the top two leagues, another measure to stave off a breakaway Super League.
As a result, England got five auto-bids this year rather than four. (The EPL got six because Tottenham Hotspur won the Europa League, which is the equivalent of European soccer's NIT and provides a Champions League automatic bid to the winner.)
However, unlike college sports, fans of European soccer hold more power through protest. The Super League proposed in 2021 would've supplanted the Champions League with a tournament that guaranteed spots for 15 of the most prestigious soccer teams and some additional at-large spots.
But it was the fans of those teams, particularly in England, who revolted against the idea. The supporters who would've seen more big international games and more TV money for their high-profile clubs instead took to the streets, put up banners on their stadiums and rallied against the idea.
As much as money had taken over the sport, it couldn't excuse a completely naked cash grab. The allure of regionality and concern over domestic league ramifications still meant something. Players and government officials also spoke out against the idea, and the Super League collapsed as teams bowed to the pressure.
That hasn't happened in America. College sports fans have been blindsided by various conference realignment moves, seeing century-old rivalries disappear or teams get left behind. Many fans are not fully happy with the resulting new order, even some of those who have landed in a more financially valuable conference. Some politicians have spoken out, but none have done anything yet.
Now, fans will likely have to prepare for four different CFP formats in four years, including a move to straight seeding for 2025, before whatever the 2026 format turns out to be.
Advertisement
No college sport or major American sport guarantees multiple bids to a division (or conference) in its postseason. But the biggest sports tournament in the world does. The two most powerful conferences might soon try to force through a model that looks unfair to many college football diehards but sounds awfully familiar to international soccer fans.
— The Athletic's Seth Emerson contributed reporting.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
30 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Europe stocks stage world-beating rally as trade war backfires
(Bloomberg) — Europe's equities have emerged clear winners worldwide as the region's economic outlook brightens at a time when President Donald Trump's trade war hobbles US financial markets. Billionaire Steve Cohen Wants NY to Expand Taxpayer-Backed Ferry Now With Colorful Blocks, Tirana's Pyramid Represents a Changing Albania Where the Wild Children's Museums Are The Economic Benefits of Paying Workers to Move NYC Congestion Toll Brings In $216 Million in First Four Months Five months into the year, eight of the world's 10 best-performing stock markets are in Europe, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. That list features Germany's DAX Index with a rally of more than 30% in dollar terms, as well as peripheral markets such as Slovenia, Poland, Greece and Hungary. The pan-European Stoxx 600 Index is beating the S&P 500 by a record 18 percentage points in dollars, powered by Germany's historic fiscal spending plans and a stronger euro. Market participants say there's more to come as resilient corporate earnings and attractive valuations make the region a safer bet when concern over trade and fiscal debt grips the US economy. 'Europe is back on the map,' said Frederique Carrier, head of investment strategy for RBC Wealth Management in the British Isles and Asia. 'We are getting more questions about Europe now over the last two months than we did over the last 10 years.' The outperformance, if it lasts, will mark a turnaround from years of sluggishness for European markets. And the rally may just feed on itself: As stocks on the continent rise, they're likely to attract fresh assets from around the world, equity bulls say. UBS Group AG analysts said in a recent note that investors' shift away from US assets will channel €1.2 trillion ($1.4 trillion) into Europe's stock market over the next five years. An early impetus for this year's gains came from the proposal by Berlin — famous for its fiscal austerity — to spend hundreds of billions of euros on infrastructure and defense. Citigroup Inc. economists expect the reform to boost growth across the euro area from the second half of 2026. On the other side of the Atlantic, investors are on recession watch again amid concerns around inflation and America's fiscal deficit. Sentiment toward Treasuries took a hit in May after Moody's Ratings stripped the US of its top credit grade, with bond yields also climbing in response to Trump's tax-cut proposals. And in a blow to the president's trade agenda, a US court has issued a rare rebuke blocking many of the import taxes he has threatened and imposed on key partners. A proposed tax measure is also raising alarm on Wall Street as it would increase tax rates for individuals and companies from countries with 'discriminatory' tax policies, potentially driving away foreign investors. The S&P 500 rebounded in May, but remains a laggard for the year. The index has gained only about 0.5% in 2025 compared with a 12% jump in the MSCI All-Country World Index excluding the US. It also ranks 73rd among the 92 indexes tracked by Bloomberg. Beata Manthey, head of European and global equity strategy at Citigroup, said the euro area is in 'a relatively good place' as the European Central Bank has room to reduce interest rates further, while equity valuations aren't stretched. 'Of course if there's a US recession, no market would go unscathed, but the lack of exuberance in Europe makes it more resilient to a deeper selloff,' Manthey said. 'Investors had shunned the region for so long that inflows are still tiny compared with outflows of the past few years.' A slate of Europe's smaller markets is dominating the leader boards this year. Slovenia's blue-chip SBI TOP Index is the world's second-best performing gauge with a rally of 42% in dollar terms, behind Ghana's benchmark. Poland's WIG20 Index has gained 40%, while benchmarks in Greece and Hungary are up more than 34% each. Strategists at Societe Generale SA have recommended peripheral European markets this year, citing a wider risk premium as well as relative political stability. The team continues to predict an outperformance as they expect sovereign bond yields to be more protected than in some of the big spenders such as France and Germany. Defense stocks have been among the biggest winners this year, with seven of the 10 best-performing stocks in the Stoxx 600 related to the sector. All have surged at least 90%, with German contractors Renk Group AG, Rheinmetall AG and Hensoldt AG leading the pack. Banks and insurance stocks have also outperformed in 2025. 'What's not to love about European equities?' said Florian Ielpo, head of macro research at Lombard Odier Investment Managers. 'In the US you're punished for taking risk, but in Europe you're rewarded for it. Inflation looks contained, and there's finally some visibility. In the US, you're still wondering what will happen tomorrow, what tweets will you see.' Corporate earnings have been a bright spot, with first-quarter profits at MSCI Europe companies rising 5.3% compared with expectations of a 1.5% decline, according to data compiled by Bloomberg Intelligence. While many executives tempered their outlooks given lingering trade uncertainties, fewer analysts have cut earnings estimates in the past weeks, suggesting the worst of the downgrades may be over. To be sure, the global trade outlook remains a key risk. A federal appeals court has offered Trump a temporary reprieve from the ruling threatening to throw out the bulk of his tariff agenda. The president also said he would be increasing levies on steel and aluminum to 50% from 25%. Many European industries including miners, automakers and luxury goods are heavily exposed to international markets for revenue. Analysts this year have reduced Stoxx 600 earnings estimates for the coming 12 months by about 1.4%, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Some market forecasters still bet European stocks will race past their US peers, with the team at JPMorgan Chase & Co. calling for the biggest outperformance on record. On average, a Bloomberg survey of 20 strategists found the Stoxx 600 is expected to gain another 1% from current levels. 'For the first time in a really long time I do believe there's a chance that European stocks can outperform the US market,' said Francois Rimeu, a strategist at La Francaise Asset Management. 'Now for this outperformance trend to hold, earnings will need to show some real growth next year.' —With assistance from Leonard Kehnscherper, Kwaku Gyasi and Michael Msika. YouTube Is Swallowing TV Whole, and It's Coming for the Sitcom Millions of Americans Are Obsessed With This Japanese Barbecue Sauce AI Is Helping Executives Tackle the Dreaded Post-Vacation Inbox How Coach Handbags Became a Gen Z Status Symbol Mark Zuckerberg Loves MAGA Now. Will MAGA Ever Love Him Back? ©2025 Bloomberg L.P. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Forbes
30 minutes ago
- Forbes
Dakota Johnson Becomes The New Global Ambassador Of Roberto Coin
Roberto Coin's new global brand ambassador, Dakota Johnson, in new ad campaign Italian fine jewelry brand, Roberto Coin, has named actress and advocate Dakota Johnson as its new Global Brand Ambassador. The announcement was made May 29 during an event in New York where the brand also unveiled a new advertising campaign featuring Johnson. The new global campaign starring Johnson is photographed by award-winning British fashion photographer and filmmaker, Craig McDean, known for his raw, unfiltered approach capturing the essence of his subjects with natural lighting and minimal retouching. The campaign will run through May 2027. The photography with Johnson is set against the backdrop of Venice. The company says the campaign 'captures the fusion of classic Italian beauty and contemporary elegance that defines Roberto Coin.' Roberto Coin's new ad campaign places Dakota Johnson against the backdrop of Venice Roberto Coin, who founded his eponymous brand and serves as creative director, said that Johnson's selection as brand ambassador ushers in a dynamic new chapter for the brand, highlighting its continued evolution through bold storytelling and artistry. 'Dakota Johnson is a true original I love her expressions—an artist with authenticity, depth, and a unique ability to connect,' Coin said. 'We are proud to welcome her to the Roberto Coin family and to collaborate on a campaign that speaks to the heart of who we are.' Johnson, 35, has been a professional actor for more than two decades. The daughter of Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith, she appeared in her first role at the age of five in 'Crazy in Alabama,' directed by her then-stepfather Antonio Banderas, and starring her mother. Since then, she has appeared constantly in starring and supporting roles in film and television. She is probably best known for playing the lead role in the erotic 'Fifty Shades' film series. Most recently, she starred in the 2024 film, 'Madame Web.' Johnson also is a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. Venice is the inspiration and soul of Roberto Coin's new campaign starring Dakota Johnson Venice serves as both the inspiration and the soul of this campaign, Coin said, as his connection to this city is deeply personal. Born in Venice, its essence has profoundly shaped his creativity over the years, he said, adding that the city's rich history, majestic architecture and vibrant artistic culture have long influenced his designs and inspired many of his collections. The campaign, features video and still photography with Johnson wearing pieces from the brand's most iconic collections: Love in Verona, Venetian Princess, Navarra, Obelisco, Tiaré and Cobra. Released in two phases, the campaign's first half will launch this month, with the second installment debuting in May 2026. The full campaign will run through May 2027 across global platforms. 'I've always believed that jewelry tells a story—of who you are, where you've been, and what you love,' Johnson said. 'Roberto Coin's pieces are full of depth and meaning, and I'm honored to help bring that spirit to life through this collaboration. There's romance, strength, and bold femininity in every design.' In addition to the campaign, Johnson will make global appearances and participate in creative initiatives for Roberto Coin. The announcement of Johnson and the new advertising campaign comes a year after Roberto Coin's North America business division was acquired by luxury watch and jewelry retailer, Watches of Switzerland for $130 million. At the time of the acquisition, Watches of Switzerland said Roberto Coin has more than 400 points-of-sale with department stores, jewelry chains and independent jewelers, making it the sixth largest jewelry brand in the U.S. by sales. Roberto Coin S.p.A., founded in Vicenza, Italy, is one of the most recognized fine jewelry brands in the world, with operations in 60 countries.
Yahoo
31 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Hansi Flick's coaching staff believe Marc-Andre Ter Stegen should leave Barcelona
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen has been first-choice goalkeeper at Barcelona for a decade, but that is expected to change from next season onwards. The Germany international has generated doubts in recent years, and having missed the vast majority of the 2024-25 campaign due to injury, it now appears that he will be replaced. Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia is being pursued by Barcelona, who are hopeful of completing a deal in the coming weeks. And the expectation is that he will replace Ter Stegen in between the goalposts, with Wojciech Szczesny to act as backup upon signing a new deal. Advertisement Despite this, Ter Stegen has no plans to leave Barcelona, and his plan is to continue as the club's starting goalkeeper for another season. But things could change now that an insight in Hansi Flick's thinking has been revealed. Hansi Flick sees Joan Garcia as Barcelona starting goalkeeper Image via Getty Images According to MD, Flick's coaching staff see Garcia as the starting goalkeeper if he joins Espanyol this summer. Barcelona's commitment to the 24-year-old is strong, with the technical staff sharing the same view as the board and the sporting management in that he will be first-choice 'keeper from next season onwards. Ter Stegen would need to leave to ensure Germany spot Because of this, it is seen as very difficult for Ter Stegen to play if he stays at Barcelona next season. And the view of the first team coaching staff is that the 33-year-old should leave if he is to play regular football ahead of next summer's World Cup, foe which he is projected to be Germany's starter – but that would only be the case if he is playing. It certainly feels more and more likely that Ter Stegen's time at Barcelona will be coming to an end this summer. And it is the right time, considering that he has dropped off. The club will be desperate for him to go, so that they can save his lucrative salary – and in the process, ease their financial woes.
