NFL Commissioner's Bold Vision: An 18-Game Regular Season
In a recent December league meeting, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell revealed the tantalizing prospect of extending the NFL's regular season from 17 to 18 games. The notion of such an extension taps into a balancing act between broadening the league’s global footprint and maintaining player welfare, a topic already rife with discussion and implications.
While this proposal might spark excitement and trepidation in equal measure, Goodell made it clear that it is not yet occupying the top spot on the league’s priority list. However, his statement, "If we got to 18 and 2, that's not an unreasonable thing," underscores a willingness to entertain that trajectory. Moreover, the strategic contemplation behind ending the Super Bowl on Presidents’ Day weekend hints at seasonal adjustments likely aimed at maximizing viewership and revenue.
Behind the scenes, the league is undertaking an in-depth analysis before making any concrete moves. Goodell, communicating through NFL Media, emphasized this cautious approach, noting, "We are doing analysis I would say, but we are not finalizing any plans at this point." This methodological scrutiny aims to ensure that any changes align with the long-term health of the game and the league’s financial strategies.
The potential shift to an 18-game season raises several operational questions, chief among them being the fate of the preseason. To accommodate a longer regular season, there is a possibility of reducing the preseason duration. Historically, the NFL demonstrated its willingness to adapt preseason scheduling, notably in 2020, when the outbreak of COVID-19 prompted the complete removal of these preparatory games. Adjustments here could provide the necessary bandwidth for an extended regular season.
The proposal also highlights Goodell's vision of leveraging this change to "open up more inventory to allow us to play more globally." Expanding into international markets is crucial for the NFL’s growth, offering fresh revenue streams and appealing to an ever-increasing global fanbase. This expansion aligns with Goodell’s broader ambition to ensure the NFL is not just a dominant force in American sports but recognized worldwide.
Moreover, the NFL's recent history of expansion suggests an appetite for calculated growth. In 2021, the league moved to a 17-game schedule from 16 games and, just before that, expanded its playoff structure in 2020 from 12 to 14 teams. This adjustment involved allowing only the No. 1 seed in each conference a coveted playoff bye, presumably to intensify the competitive landscape.
Despite these deliberations, any move to extend the regular season will require careful negotiating with the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). The players' union's stance will be pivotal. Balancing player safety and workload with the league's financial objectives will likely dominate these discussions. The NFL’s findings from its ongoing analysis will eventually be presented to the union, whose backing is essential for such transformative changes.
From a fan’s standpoint, shifting the Super Bowl to the Presidents’ Day weekend seems a subtle yet strategic allure. Goodell envisions it as creating "Sunday night and then you have Monday off," potentially enhancing viewer engagement by dovetailing with a public holiday in the United States.
In all, while Goodell's remarks open up an intriguing discussion about the future shape of the NFL calendar, the journey from concept to reality remains dotted with hurdles. The thoroughness of the league’s current reviews and eventual negotiations with stakeholders will determine whether this vision of an 18-game regular season will ultimately take the field.