Possibility of an 18-Game NFL Season Discussed by Commissioner Goodell
In an NFL landscape constantly evolving amid a shifting sports environment, Commissioner Roger Goodell has broached the prospect of lengthening the regular season from 17 to 18 games. This discussion unfolded during a recent league meeting in December, marking the consideration of another significant shift in the structure of America's most popular sport.
While the idea of extending the season has been floated, it is important to note that it is not currently a primary focus for Goodell. "We are doing analysis I would say, but we are not finalizing any plans at this point," he stated through NFL Media. The commissioner emphasized the importance of a comprehensive study before making any definitive commitments or adjustments to the league schedule.
The proposal to extend the regular season inherently poses logistical challenges, and Goodell acknowledged the necessity of perhaps reducing the preseason to create a feasible 18-game schedule. The league, which traditionally consisted of four preseason games, already adapted once when the regular season expanded from 16 to 17 games in 2021. This change saw a reduction in preseason matchups, reflecting the league's adaptability.
Speaking to the potential international ramifications of this shift, Goodell highlighted the opportunity for more global engagement. "That will open up more inventory to allow us to play more globally," he noted, suggesting that an expanded schedule could facilitate additional international games, further expanding the NFL's worldwide footprints.
An intriguing aspect of this potential schedule alteration is its alignment with strategic events. Ending the Super Bowl on Presidents’ Day weekend is being considered not only for its symbolic significance but also for the logistical convenience of following up the sport’s biggest event with a national holiday. As Goodell put it, "It makes it Sunday night and then you have Monday off," offering fans an additional day to celebrate without the demands of work looming immediately afterward.
In tandem with potential schedule changes, the league has seen recent structural transformations. In 2021, for instance, the NFL increased its playoff field from 12 to 14 teams, allowing only the top-seeded team in each conference the luxury of a bye week. Such adjustments showcase the league's willingness to enhance competitiveness and fan engagement through various means.
The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in the NFL's evolving schedule. In 2020, concerns about the virus led to the unprecedented decision to cancel the entire preseason. This experience may influence how the league manages future preseason adjustments, whether due to public health issues or the consideration of a longer regular season.
As the NFL navigates these potential changes, the league is set to present its findings to the players' union. Both parties will, undoubtedly, weigh the implications of such a modification, particularly considering the physical toll on players and the potential financial benefits for stakeholders.
Ultimately, the potential shift to an 18-game season represents merely a possibility at this stage, illustrating the NFL's proactive approach to evolving the game to meet new challenges and opportunities. As the analysis progresses and discussions with the players' union unfold, the league's careful consideration ensures any change will be well-informed and in the best interest of the sport's future.