As the National Football League (NFL) continues to evolve, the prospect of extending the regular season from 17 to 18 games has surfaced once again. During the league meetings in December, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell broached the subject, suggesting that while the concept is appealing, it currently resides lower on the league's priority list.
When the NFL transitioned from a 16-game to a 17-game regular season in 2021, it sparked conversations about the potential for further expansion. Goodell touched on the idea, remarking, "If we got to 18 and 2, that's not an unreasonable thing." The current setup includes three preseason games for each team, but the league is considering reducing them to pave the way for an 18-game regular season without extending the overall length of the football calendar.
A Careful Approach
Despite the allure of additional regular-season games, Goodell stressed a meticulous approach. "We are doing analysis I would say, but we are not finalizing any plans at this point," he shared through NFL Media. This reflects the league's intent to proceed cautiously, ensuring a thorough examination of implications on player health, competitive balance, and fan engagement before making any irreversible decisions.
The potential shift to an 18-game regular season would necessitate strategic adjustments, including the presentation of findings to the players' union. Given the multifaceted nature of this proposed change, involving scheduling logistics, player welfare, and commercial interests, the league aims to engage all stakeholders in the decision-making process.
Implications for the NFL Calendar
One of the strategic considerations under review is aligning the Super Bowl with Presidents' Day weekend. By ending the season on this long weekend, the league could enhance its brand exposure and provide viewers with an extended celebratory atmosphere. "It makes it Sunday night and then you have Monday off," Goodell explained, highlighting the potential appeal of this timing to fans across the nation.
Such a move could also open new opportunities for the league on a global scale. Goodell indicated that an extended schedule might "open up more inventory to allow us to play more globally," suggesting that additional games could facilitate greater international engagement and expansion.
The Evolution of the Playoffs
The NFL has already shown a willingness to adapt in recent years. The league expanded the postseason format in 2020, increasing from 12 to 14 playoff teams, which allowed only the No. 1 seed in each conference to receive a playoff bye. This format change occurred in the absence of a preseason that year, due to COVID-19 concerns, which provided a precedent for reshaping the league structure amid extraordinary circumstances.
While the NFL's investigation into an expanded regular season is in its preliminary stages, it underscores the league's ongoing commitment to innovation and growth. As discussions continue and analyses are completed, the NFL will likely revisit this topic with the players' union and other stakeholders to weigh the benefits and challenges of an 18-game format.
Although no immediate changes are on the horizon, the league's willingness to explore new possibilities signals its intent to maintain the NFL's status as a premier global sporting enterprise. With careful consideration and collaboration, future developments on this front could well pave the way for a new era in professional football.