As the NFL continues to evolve, Commissioner Roger Goodell is at the forefront of discussions regarding potential changes to the structure of the regular season. During a league meeting in December, Goodell explored the possibility of extending the regular season from the current 17 games to 18 games. However, he emphasized that this idea is not an immediate priority.
Since the NFL’s transition from a 16-game to a 17-game regular season in 2021, there has been an ongoing dialogue about optimizing the league’s schedule to further benefit players, teams, and fans alike. One of the considerations on the table is reducing the preseason to make room for an 18th regular season game. This adjustment could preserve the overall length of the season while potentially enhancing the quality of the games that matter most.
Goodell stated, "If we got to 18 and 2, that's not an unreasonable thing," suggesting that each team could play 18 regular season games and two preseason games. The prospective change could expand the league's reach, allowing for more globally played games, which aligns with the NFL's ambition of increasing its international footprint. Goodell noted, "That will open up more inventory to allow us to play more globally."
Analyses and Consultations Underway
Before any major shifts in the regular season framework occur, the NFL is engaging in a comprehensive analysis to assess the implications of such changes. This process is crucial for ensuring that any adjustments serve the interests of all stakeholders involved. According to Goodell, "We are doing analysis I would say, but we are not finalizing any plans at this point," emphasizing that the league is still in the exploratory phases.
Integral to these deliberations is the NFL's collaboration with the players union, which will be presented with the league's findings. This partnership is essential for the league to maintain open communication channels and address concerns from players regarding player safety and season length. The union's input will likely be a determining factor in any final decisions regarding the season extension.
Strategic Considerations
Adding an 18th game could also strategically position the Super Bowl to close out on Presidents’ Day weekend. This scheduling adjustment could provide an additional draw for fans, as the extended holiday weekend offers an opportunity for greater engagement with the Super Bowl festivities. Goodell illustrated the potential benefits, stating, "It makes it Sunday night and then you have Monday off."
This strategic maneuvering is part of the NFL's continuous effort to enhance the spectacle of its signature event while simultaneously maximizing viewership and attendance. By aligning the Super Bowl with a national holiday, the league can capitalize on increased fan participation, both domestic and international.
Historical Context and Future Implications
The NFL has not been shy about making significant changes to its schedule and structure in recent years. The move in 2021 from a 16-game to a 17-game regular season was a landmark change, reflecting the league’s willingness to adapt and grow. Similarly, the expansion from 12 to 14 playoff teams, which resulted in only the No. 1 seed in each conference earning a playoff bye, marked another major shift aimed at increasing competitiveness and excitement during the postseason.
The 2020 pandemic-induced omission of the preseason also demonstrated the NFL's flexibility and responsiveness to unprecedented challenges. These historical precedents suggest that the NFL is more than capable of navigating the complexities involved in another potential expansion of the regular season.
While the discussions about an 18-game regular season continue, the league's cautious approach reflects an understanding of the multiple factors at play, including player safety, competitive balance, and fan engagement. Whether or not this proposal comes to fruition, the ongoing explorations highlight the NFL's commitment to evolving its product while maintaining its status as a premier sports league worldwide.