Discussion Heats Up Around Extending NFL Regular Season
In a move that may signal yet another significant shift in the NFL calendar, Commissioner Roger Goodell recently discussed the possibility of extending the regular season from 17 to 18 games. This conversation took place during a league meeting in December and has spurred considerable interest among fans and stakeholders alike. However, Goodell has emphasized that changing the regular season format is not an immediate priority for the league.
The proposal to extend the regular season could bring about a slew of logistical considerations, not least of which is the potential reduction of preseason games to make room for the additional regular-season contest. This would mark the latest transformation in a sport that recently transitioned from a 16-game to a 17-game regular season in 2021. Such expansions are not without precedent; in 2020, the NFL expanded its playoff format from 12 to 14 teams, introducing a system that allowed only the No. 1 seed in each conference to secure a bye week.
Goodell offered some insight into the motivations behind this potential extension, hinting at the strategic opportunities it could yield. "If we got to 18 and 2, that's not an unreasonable thing," Goodell remarked, referring to the proposed change that would see teams play 18 regular-season games and potentially have two bye weeks. He further noted that this expansion could "open up more inventory to allow us to play more globally," suggesting that an extended season could provide greater flexibility in scheduling international games.
While intrigued by the possibilities, the NFL is taking a measured approach, conducting a comprehensive analysis before any concrete steps are taken. As Goodell commented through NFL Media, "We are doing analysis I would say, but we are not finalizing any plans at this point." This analysis will be shared with the NFL Players Association, ensuring that players are part of the conversation, understanding the implications of such a fundamental change in the regular-season structure.
Timing and Strategic Advantages
Among the potential changes under consideration, one strategic shift stands out: the idea of scheduling the Super Bowl to conclude on Presidents’ Day weekend. This timing could offer several advantages, not least of which is the potential to enjoy a broadcast on Sunday night followed by a public holiday. As Goodell succinctly put it, "It makes it Sunday night, and then you have Monday off." The concept of shifting the NFL's flagship event to coincide with a long weekend could enhance audience engagement and deliver a celebratory capstone to the football calendar.
The NFL's openness to revisiting its season structure underscores its commitment to evolving the game in response to changing market conditions and fan expectations. Past adjustments, such as the suspension of the preseason in 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns, demonstrate the league's willingness to adapt its schedule to meet contemporary challenges and opportunities.
As the NFL continues to evaluate the logistics and repercussions of extending the regular season, stakeholders across the league will watch closely. The move promises not only to alter the rhythm of the season but also to impact player welfare and global market expansion ambitions. While the league's agenda currently lists this proposal as exploratory, the prospect remains a focal point of conversation as the NFL charts its path forward.