Potential NFL Season Extension: What's on the Horizon?
The National Football League (NFL) is once again considering changes to its regular season format, potentially extending it from 17 to 18 games. Although this idea was discussed by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell during a league meeting in December, it is not an immediate priority on his agenda. Nonetheless, the conversation around the possible change has sparked interest and speculation within the league and among its fans.
Currently, the extension of the regular season isn't just about adding another game. "If we got to 18 and 2, that's not an unreasonable thing," Goodell remarked, hinting at a possible configuration that could balance an extended regular season with a shorter preseason schedule. This change could allow teams to optimize player conditioning and preparation while offering more football action to fans. The potential reduction in the preseason would be a strategic move, considering the history of adjustments in response to previously omitted preseason games, notably due to COVID-19 in 2020.
The NFL's shift from a 16-game to a 17-game schedule in 2021 was an historic move that altered the landscape of the regular season. This change, however, might just be the beginning of a broader evolution in the league's format. The league has already expanded its playoff bracket from 12 to 14 teams, allowing only the No. 1 seeds to receive a coveted playoff bye. These changes have been designed in part to enhance the competitive dynamics of the league and ensure more games with significant stakes.
Bringing the Super Bowl to Presidents’ Day weekend is another consideration on Goodell's table. "It makes it Sunday night and then you have Monday off," he noted, suggesting that this adjustment could provide a strategic advantage, offering fans and teams alike an extended weekend to revel in the pinnacle of NFL competition.
Despite the enthusiasm and potential benefits, the league is taking a cautious approach. As Goodell mentioned, "We are doing analysis I would say, but we are not finalizing any plans at this point." This comprehensive analysis is a crucial step, ensuring that any potential changes are well-considered and effectively enhance the league's global and domestic standing.
Catering to a growing international audience is another dimension of this potential shift. By extending the season, the NFL could generate more games—or as Goodell describes, "more inventory"—to showcase the sport globally. This international expansion aligns with the league's ongoing efforts to boost its presence outside the United States, aiming to bring American football to new markets and fans worldwide.
The path to an 18-game regular season is a complex one, involving negotiations and input from numerous stakeholders, including the players' union. Presenting the findings of their analysis to the players' union is crucial, as any decision will need to balance the league's commercial objectives with the players' health and performance considerations.
In conclusion, while a shift to an 18-game season isn't imminent, and significant steps lie ahead, Goodell's recent comments and the league's strategic evaluations suggest it remains a plausible future direction. As the NFL continues to explore this possibility, fans, teams, and stakeholders will undoubtedly keep a keen eye on developments, ready to adapt to what could be the next major chapter in the league’s storied history.