The College Football Playoff has released a statement, officially announcing that there is a proposal to expand the four-team field into a 12-team format. News was first reported by Pat Forde and Ross Dellenger of Sports Illustrated on Thursday afternoon.

Nothing has been confirmed at this time, other than the fact that a 12-team idea has been proposal. It was proposed in front of the full College Football Playoff management committee.

“The four-team format has been very popular and is a big success,” the working group said in a statement. “But it’s important that we consider the opportunity for more teams and more student-athletes to participate in the playoff. After reviewing numerous options, we believe this proposal is the best option to increase participation, enhance the regular season and grow the national excitement of college football.”

According to Bruce Feldman of The Athletic, the 2023 season would be the earliest a new, expanded format would be implemented. Still, it’s a step towards including more teams in college football.

The next step in the process towards expansion is for the management committee to review the proposal and recommendation at its next meeting, scheduled for June 17-18 in Chicago.