Although the Debate Program is administered by the CFB, the debates themselves are sponsored by various media, educational and civic groups. The CFB solicits debate sponsor applications from hundreds of academic, civic, community, and news organizations. Debate sponsors may be any organizations not affiliated with a political party or candidate. In 2009, the CFB received applications from nineteen organizations, some of which submitted joint proposals. Below are the official sponsors of the 2009 Debate Program.

WABC-TV Sponsor Group

NY 1 News Sponsor Group