In the latest developments from the National Football League (NFL), Commissioner Roger Goodell has opened the conversation about potentially extending the regular season to 18 games. This topic arose during a recent league meeting in December, sparking interest within the football community. While this idea is gathering attention, Goodell has clarified that it is not currently a top priority on his agenda.
Exploring the 18-Game Season
The potential shift to an 18-game regular season is tied closely to a topic of continuous debate: the reduction of the preseason. In 2020, the NFL preseason was omitted entirely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which inadvertently highlighted the flexibility of the league's schedule. Now, the possibility of shortening the preseason to accommodate an extended regular season is on the table. Goodell mentioned, "If we got to 18 and 2, that's not an unreasonable thing."
Such a change would not only align the regular season more closely with the desires of football fans for more competitive games but may also offer strategic advantages in terms of scheduling. One intriguing consideration includes timing the Super Bowl to coincide with Presidents’ Day weekend. Goodell noted, "It makes it Sunday night and then you have Monday off," suggesting potential benefits for fans in terms of convenience and extended celebration of the sport's biggest event.
Strategic Global Expansion
The suggestion of extending the season has implications beyond just the number of games. Expanding to an 18-game schedule also provides more opportunities for the NFL to increase its international footprint. Goodell hinted at this global ambition by stating, "That will open up more inventory to allow us to play more globally." The NFL has made concerted efforts in recent years to expand its international series, with games held in the UK, Mexico, and plans to explore further locations. A longer regular season could facilitate more international matchups, tapping into new markets and fanbases worldwide.
Comprehensive Analysis Before Action
Despite these appealing prospects, the NFL is committed to a careful and comprehensive analysis before any decisions are made. "We are doing analysis I would say, but we are not finalizing any plans at this point," Goodell said through NFL Media. This analysis will be critical, as any changes to the schedule must consider various stakeholders, including teams, players, broadcast partners, and fans.
The NFL transitioned from a 16-game to a 17-game regular season in 2021, coupled with an expansion of the playoff format. The current system allows 14 teams to enter the playoffs, leaving only the top seed in each conference with a bye week. These changes have been significant, altering the competitive landscape of the league. Therefore, any further adjustments to the structure must ensure that both competitive integrity and player wellbeing are preserved.
Players’ Involvement Is Key
One of the critical aspects of this decision-making process will be the collaboration with the players’ union. The NFL intends to present its findings from the analysis to ensure that the players are actively involved in discussions. Their input will be essential in crafting a schedule that meets the league's ambitious goals while addressing the players' health and safety concerns.
Conversations about extending the NFL season are at an early stage, with plenty of deliberations and analyses still to be conducted. While Roger Goodell's considerations have sparked excitement and debate, it is clear that any move toward an 18-game season will involve careful examination and consensus-building within the league community.
As these discussions continue, fans, players, and stakeholders alike will await further insights into how the NFL plans to shape its future. For now, the focus remains on thorough analysis and strategic deliberation to potentially expand the sport's reach and excitement.