A bold proposal could change the way the FCS postseason is run, and who profits from it.
For decades, the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) has lived in the shadow of the FBS. While the bigger stage claims billion-dollar TV deals, FCS schools often fight just to cover costs. Now, private equity firms see an opening, and it everyone, even the NCAA taking notice.
Sequence Equity, a Los Angeles–based investment firm, has pitched an idea that could flip the script: a privatized FCS College Football Playoff. Instead of being operated solely by the NCAA, a new entity, partly owned by conferences but backed by private investment, would take control of the postseason.
Current FCS playoff rights are bundled with other NCAA championships in a $115 million annual ESPN package. Sequence Equity believes schools are losing value by not selling FCS football separately.
Like the FBS College Football Playoff LLC, this model would place control in the hands of conferences, with private investors injecting “tens of millions of dollars.” That’s a huge shift for programs used to tight budgets.
With more than 100 FCS programs competing in 13 leagues, added postseason revenue could directly affect recruiting, facilities, and competitiveness in the looming revenue-sharing era.
Change won’t happen overnight. The plan remains in early discussions, but FCS commissioners have already reached out to NCAA leadership. Whether fans see tradition preserved or the start of a new era, one thing is clear, private money is knocking on the FCS door.
Action is coming. The only question is whether the NCAA answers.
MORE COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS:
- Deion Sanders buyout, contract details as Colorado Buffaloes coach
- Bill Belichick's girlfriend Jordon Hudson turns heads with outfit choice on sideline
- Dabo Swinney out at Clemson? Insider reveals if his job is in jeopardy
- Deion Sanders reveals which three NFL teams called about Shedeur during draft slid
- SEC blasts refs for missing Oklahoma's illegal 'hideout tactic'