NFL Considers a Shift to an 18-Game Season
During a league meeting in December, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell revisited the prospect of extending the regular football season from its current 17 games to an 18-game format. This idea, while intriguing, isn’t at the forefront of Goodell's agenda as of now. However, the dialogue hints at the potential for considerable changes in the way the league schedules its games, catering to evolving strategic needs and audience expectations.
Goodell acknowledged the necessity for a thorough evaluation before making any binding resolutions. "We are doing analysis I would say, but we are not finalizing any plans at this point," he mentioned through NFL Media. The analysis implies a meticulous approach to assessing all possible implications of such a modification, from the benefits of enhanced global appeal to the logistical challenges it might pose.
The NFL, in deliberating this shift, also contemplates reducing the preseason to accommodate an 18-game regular season seamlessly. Historically, the league's preseason has been a fixture for teams to prepare and evaluate talent. However, the loss of preseason in 2020 due to COVID-19 demonstrated that while traditions hold value, adaptability is key to evolving circumstances. This potential reduction illuminates a willingness to recalibrate longstanding practices to align with new structuring priorities.
The idea of ending the Super Bowl on Presidents’ Day weekend is another ambitious notion being considered. This strategic adjustment would not only excite fans but also promise various logistical advantages, capitalizing on a widely recognized public holiday. Goodell noted, "It makes it Sunday night and then you have Monday off," highlighting the allure of such a timing change for spectators and stakeholders alike.
For players, extending the season introduces both opportunities and complexities. An 18-game schedule would provide more chances to excel on the field, but questions of player welfare and workload loom large, underscoring the NFL's commitment to collaborate closely with the players union. The league intends to present its findings to the union, ensuring that players' voices and concerns are integral to this potential transition.
The prospect of "18 and 2", referring to 18 regular-season games and potentially two preseason games, isn’t deemed "an unreasonable thing" according to Goodell. The move could "open up more inventory to allow us to play more globally," presenting economic and exposure benefits for the NFL on a world stage. This dimension serves as a critical factor in the league’s planning, where expanding its reach beyond traditional markets could generate significant interest and revenue.
The NFL's recent history of adaptation further illustrates a proactive stance in league management. The transition from a 16-game to a 17-game schedule in 2021 was well-received, evidencing the league's responsiveness to both audience demand and the commercial landscape. In a similar vein, the playoff expansion from 12 to 14 teams, with only the No. 1 seed in each conference receiving a bye, has injected fresh excitement and unpredictability into postseason scenarios.
As discussions progress, the implications of longer regular seasons on the league's ecosystem—ranging from financial impacts to fan engagement—will continue to inform Goodell's and the NFL's stakeholders' decision-making. While Goodell has expressed a cautious outlook, the groundwork for this potential transformation is set, with all eyes on how the NFL balances tradition with innovation.