College Football Playoff expansion could change future of Valero Alamo Bowl

The College Football Playoff is set to expand from 12 to 24 teams in 2027 under a new five-year, $1.7 billion deal with ESPN, a move that could dramatically reshape bowl season and change the type of teams available to the Valero Alamo Bowl.

The change also includes the elimination of Power Four conference championship games.

The expanded playoff field means two dozen teams will be pulled into the national championship race. As a result, bowls that have traditionally hosted high-profile non-playoff matchups could be selecting from a different pool of teams.

For the Valero Alamo Bowl, that could mean fewer top-ranked programs are available once the playoff bracket is filled. Instead of landing one of the top non-playoff games in the country, the San Antonio bowl could find itself choosing from teams outside the Top 25.

However, that does not mean the game loses its appeal.

Valero Alamo Bowl officials told us that now that the playoff expansion is official for 2027, the organization will move forward with discussions among key stakeholders to determine the bowl’s path over the next five years.

For local fans, the Alamo Bowl has long been one of San Antonio’s signature sporting events, bringing national attention, visiting fan bases and major college football brands to the city each winter.

The expanded playoff format could alter those matchups, but the bowl’s leadership is now beginning the process of evaluating what the new system means.

More details about the Valero Alamo Bowl’s future selection process and conference partnerships are expected as bowl officials continue discussions with stakeholders ahead of the 2027 season.

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