In a recent league meeting, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell broached a topic that could reshape the landscape of professional football yet again: extending the regular season from 17 to 18 games. While this notion has been simmering in league discussions for some time, it is not currently an urgent agenda item. Nevertheless, the potential ramifications and strategic opportunities of such a change warrant closer examination.
Analyzing the Impact
Before any final decision is made, the NFL is committed to conducting a detailed analysis on the feasibility and implications of moving to an 18-game regular season. As Goodell candidly put it, "We are doing analysis I would say, but we are not finalizing any plans at this point." This meticulous approach reflects the league’s desire to consider every angle, especially considering the need to maintain a fair balance between players' welfare and commercial interests.
An obvious consideration in this discussion is the potential reduction of preseason games. Shifting to an 18-game regular season could involve cutting down the number of preseason matches, a move the league successfully navigated when transitioning from a 16-game to a 17-game framework in 2021. Notably, in 2020, the preseason was entirely scrapped due to COVID-19 concerns, a decision that has informed current conversations about preseason’s efficacy and necessity.
A Strategic Calendar Shift
One potential advantage of the expanded schedule is aligning the Super Bowl with Presidents’ Day weekend. "It makes it Sunday night and then you have Monday off," explained Goodell, illustrating the appeal of capping off the NFL season with a built-in holiday for celebrations and viewership. Such timing not only adds a layer of convenience for fans but could amplify viewership numbers during what is already one of the most-watched annual sports events worldwide.
Global Opportunities and Competitive Balance
Expanding the regular season also dovetails with Goodell’s vision of increasing global reach. The additional games, as he suggests, could "open up more inventory to allow us to play more globally." This global perspective aligns with recent league efforts to host games abroad, expanding the NFL's footprint and tapping into international markets eager to engage with American football.
Yet amidst the excitement, the challenge of maintaining competitive balance is paramount. The league has already expanded its playoff format from 12 to 14 teams, where now only the No. 1 seed in each conference enjoys the luxury of a bye. This intensified competition underscores the need for careful structuring to ensure the integrity of the league is upheld, especially as more games potentially mean an increase in physical toll on the players.
Collaborating with the Players' Union
Integral to the analysis is the NFL's collaboration with the players’ union. Goodell has confirmed that findings from the current analysis will be shared with the union, ensuring transparent dialogue. Player safety and welfare remain top priorities, and any adjustment to the season structure will undoubtedly factor these in. Moreover, the league's stance, as articulated by Goodell, indicates they are not rushing into changes without comprehensive understanding and agreement.
Interestingly, Goodell expressed that the proposed configuration of "18 and 2"—meaning 18 regular games and two preseason games—"is not an unreasonable thing," suggesting a certain degree of readiness towards this potential new future. Indeed, the suggestion underscores the league’s intent to innovate within reasonable bounds while keeping an eye on broadening the appeal and structure of the game.
As the NFL continues to navigate its expansion opportunities, both domestically and globally, the decision to potentially extend the regular season remains one filled with both promise and complexity. Throughout, the key will be ensuring that any changes create tangible benefits while preserving the league's tradition of delivering thrilling, high-stakes football each week. In due time, fans can expect an update following the league’s comprehensive analysis and further negotiations with key stakeholders, including the players’ union.