The National Football League (NFL), always assessing its place in the pantheon of professional sports, is now contemplating a potential overhaul that could see its regular season expanded yet again. Going from the established 17-game format to an 18-game slate is under consideration, as revealed by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in a recent league meeting held in December.
Strategic Adjustments in Scheduling
Building on a transition that only recently saw the shift from 16 to 17 games starting in the 2021 season, this potential extension is not one Goodell is rushing into. As he pointed out, "We are doing analysis I would say, but we are not finalizing any plans at this point." The commissioner emphasized that, while the league is reviewing how such a change might unfold, it is not yet a priority on the NFL's expansive agenda.
One of the more prominent considerations tied to this adjustment is the reconfiguration of the league's preseason. Discussions revolve around reducing preseason matchups, particularly to carve out space for an extra regular-season game without overly taxing players' health and endurance. Reflective of broader strategic aspirations, Goodell hinted that, "If we got to 18 and 2, that's not an unreasonable thing," noting the potential of a more substantial regular season paired with a concise two-game preseason.
Enhancing Global Reach
Goodell also touched upon one of the significant advantages of extending the regular season, namely the opportunity to expand the league's global presence. "That will open up more inventory to allow us to play more globally," he explained, suggesting that additional games could facilitate international ventures, bringing the sport to new audiences across different continents. The International Series, which annually features several games outside the US, could inherently benefit from more regular season encounters.
Engaging the Players Union
Conversations about increasing the number of games are naturally coupled with implications for player welfare. The NFL's approach includes a thorough analysis designed to provide insights that will be shared with the players union. The importance of collaborative dialogue with athletes regarding these changes cannot be overstated, and the union's feedback will undeniably play a pivotal role in any future decisions.
The NFL has previously made significant playoff alterations and continues to adapt its postseason structure. Already, the league has expanded from 12 to 14 playoff teams, awarding the coveted playoff bye to only the No. 1 seed in each conference. These adaptations underline the league’s commitment to maintaining competitive balance and maximizing fan engagement.
Potential Impact on the Super Bowl
Among the intriguing possibilities is the timing of the season's grand finale, the Super Bowl. Goodell and other executives are weighing the benefits of aligning the event with Presidents’ Day weekend, thus capitalizing on the holiday—even suggesting, "It makes it Sunday night and then you have Monday off," which could increase viewership and fan participation.
The outcome of these discussions will be pivotal in determining the future direction of America's most popular sporting league. Any change in the season's structure will not only affect the scheduling logistics but will have far-reaching effects across players, broadcasters, and fans alike. As the NFL embarks on this detailed exploration of possibilities, it stands on the brink of a significant evolution, reflecting its ever-present drive to enhance the game’s reach and impact.