The landscape of the NFL's regular season could be on the cusp of a significant transformation, as Commissioner Roger Goodell recently deliberated on the prospect of extending the schedule from 17 to 18 games. During a league meeting in December, Goodell broached this subject—though he was careful to note that it isn't an immediate priority on his agenda.
Assessing the Impact of an Extended Season
The proposal is still in its nascent stages, and the NFL is conducting a thorough analysis before making any determinations. "We are doing analysis I would say, but we are not finalizing any plans at this point," stated Goodell through NFL Media. The analysis aims to explore the feasibility and implications of adding another week to the regular season, one of which could be a reduction in the current preseason schedule to make way for the extra game.
Amid broader considerations, one strategic advantage under discussion is scheduling the Super Bowl to coincide with Presidents' Day weekend. This move could potentially captivate a larger audience, considering that many would have the ensuing Monday off, as Goodell noted, "It makes it Sunday night and then you have Monday off."
Historical Context and Global Ambitions
Since 2021, the NFL has seen incremental changes in its season format, transitioning from a 16-game to a 17-game regular season. This change coincided with an expansion of playoff teams from 12 to 14, wherein only the No. 1 seed in each conference received a playoff bye. The league has continuously adapted its structure, even in the face of unprecedented challenges, such as in 2020 when the preseason was omitted due to COVID-19 concerns.
The potential shift to an 18-game season could also have a significant impact on the NFL's global strategy. "That will open up more inventory to allow us to play more globally," Goodell remarked, suggesting that additional games could facilitate international matchups and broaden the league’s reach across continents.
Collaboration with the Players Union
Any move towards an expanded regular season will inevitably involve negotiations with the players union. Goodell confirmed that the league plans to present its findings to the union, underscoring the importance of collaboration and consent when deliberating changes that directly impact player welfare and competitive balance.
This proposed expansion, described by some as a potential shift to "18 and 2" to indicate an 18-game regular season with a two-game preseason, is seen by Goodell as a reasonable development. "If we got to 18 and 2, that's not an unreasonable thing," he expressed, framing the change as a logical progression in the league's evolution.
Balancing Tradition with Progress
As always with changes of this magnitude, the NFL must maintain a balance between preserving the sanctity of tradition and embracing innovation that fosters growth. Adding another game week poses questions not just about logistics, but also about player safety, competitive integrity, and fan enjoyment—all critical factors that will weigh heavily in any upcoming decisions.
In conclusion, while the idea of an 18-game season remains speculative, the NFL’s current inquiries and discussions reflect a forward-thinking approach aimed at expanding the league's global footprint while considering multiple facets of the game. Whether this potential change takes the field is still uncertain, but the dialogue signals the league’s ongoing efforts to stay dynamic and responsive to both its stakeholders and its global audience.