As the NFL continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of professional sports, discussions have surfaced about the possibility of extending the regular season from the current 17 games to 18. While the topic remains on the horizon rather than an immediate priority, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell recently shed some light on the potential shift during a league meeting in December.
Exploring the 18-Game Option
The notion of an extended regular season isn't entirely new. Following the transition from a 16-game schedule to 17 games in 2021, the league has been exploring various ways to optimize its schedule. Moving to an 18-game season would likely entail a reconfiguration of the current structure, potentially reducing the preseason by a game to accommodate the additional regular season game.
"If we got to 18 and 2, that’s not an unreasonable thing," Goodell remarked, indicating an openness to the idea. This perspective seems to align with the league's ongoing quest to provide more content and maintain competitive balance, as evidenced by the increase from 12 to 14 playoff teams. Currently, only the No. 1 seeded teams in each conference enjoy a first-round bye, an adjustment that many claim has increased the stakes in regular season play.
Strategic Considerations
One of the strategic angles under consideration is ending the NFL season with the Super Bowl on Presidents’ Day weekend, which Goodell suggests may offer certain advantages. "It makes it Sunday night and then you have Monday off," he pointed out, potentially giving fans and communities an extended weekend to indulge in the excitement surrounding the Super Bowl.
While the concept is enticing, Goodell emphasized that any changes would be underpinned by rigorous analysis. "We are doing analysis I would say, but we are not finalizing any plans at this point," he stated through NFL Media.
Collaboration with the Players Union
A significant stakeholder in any decision to alter the regular season format is the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). The league plans to present the findings from its comprehensive analysis to the players' union, ensuring that any transition is mutually beneficial and considers the welfare of the athletes. Player safety and workload have been paramount in similar discussions in the past, especially after the complete cancellation of the preseason in 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns.
Indeed, the global expansion of the NFL remains a priority, something an extended season might amplify. "That will open up more inventory to allow us to play more globally," Goodell noted, hinting at the potential international opportunities that more games could unlock.
Looking Forward
As discussions unfold, the NFL's approach appears cautious yet optimistic. The balance between preserving player health, maximizing entertainment value, and exploring global markets remains a delicate one. However, with thorough analysis and collaboration with key stakeholders like the NFLPA, the league aims to navigate these waters with the same strategic foresight that has characterized its evolution over past decades.
Whether the 18-game regular season comes to fruition soon or remains a concept for future consideration, it's clear that Roger Goodell and the NFL are committed to evolving the sport strategically. Until then, fans, players, and stakeholders alike await further developments in what promises to be another compelling chapter in the league’s storied history.