Analysis Underway for an 18-Game NFL Season
The National Football League (NFL) is meticulously evaluating the potential shift from a 17-game to an 18-game regular season, according to commissioner Roger Goodell. In December, Goodell addressed this ambitious possibility during a league meeting, noting it as part of an ongoing comprehensive analysis. The shift aims to expand the league's market presence while accommodating a strategic repositioning of the Super Bowl.
The notion of extending the regular season isn't entirely new. The NFL transitioned from a 16-game to a 17-game format just two years ago in 2021. This expansion accompanied increased playoff content, as the league moved from 12 to 14 teams, allowing only the top seed in each conference to enjoy a coveted playoff bye. Goodell has indicated that further lengthening the season isn't an immediate priority, stating, "We are doing analysis I would say, but we are not finalizing any plans at this point."
Potential Changes to Preseason and Scheduling
To accommodate the additional regular-season game, there's a possibility of paring down the preseason schedule. The NFL previously experienced a completely preseason-free year in 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns, which may inform current considerations. The potential reconfiguration could be represented as "18 and 2," a phrase Goodell alluded to during his remarks: "If we got to 18 and 2, that's not an unreasonable thing."
Such a transition wouldn't merely be about more games for the sake of volume. It could also open the door to a broader international approach. "That will open up more inventory to allow us to play more globally," Goodell explained, hinting at the NFL's continued interest in expanding its footprint beyond North American borders.
Moreover, aligning the Super Bowl with Presidents’ Day weekend presents a strategic allure. As Goodell put it, "It makes it Sunday night and then you have Monday off." This could create a natural long weekend for fans, enhancing viewership and cultural integration of the league's premier event.
Steps Forward: Engaging with the Players Union
Before any formal decisions can be made, the NFL intends to present its findings to the players union. This step is essential, as modifying the regular season length impacts players' health, negotiation parameters, and scheduling logistics. The analyses being conducted will serve as a critical foundation for future discussions between the league and its players, ensuring that any move towards an 18-game season is mutually beneficial and carefully considered.
The NFL's exploration of this concept exemplifies the league's ongoing evolution, balancing traditional aspects with transformative potential. Still, as Commissioner Goodell emphasized, the league is not rushing any conclusions, ensuring that moves like this align with the best interests of teams, players, and fans alike. While an 18-game regular season may not be on the immediate horizon, the groundwork laid by current analyses will undoubtedly shape the league’s trajectory in the coming years.