NFL Considers 18-Game Regular Season Amid Strategic Expansion Discussions
The National Football League (NFL) is once again at a crossroads as it explores the potential extension of its regular season from the current 17 games to a robust 18-game lineup. This possibility, discussed by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell during a recent league meeting, is generating both anticipation and debate among stakeholders within and outside the league.
Despite the discussions, Goodell has made it clear that expanding the regular season is not yet a principal focus on his agenda. "We are doing analysis I would say, but we are not finalizing any plans at this point," Goodell shared through NFL Media. The deliberate pace emphasizes the league's commitment to a comprehensive and careful approach before making such a significant change.
One crucial aspect of these discussions is the challenge of balancing the regular and preseason schedules. An 18-game regular season may require reducing the preseason to two games, a move that could address concerns about player safety and fan engagement. "If we got to 18 and 2, that's not an unreasonable thing," Goodell remarked, outlining a scenario where the traditional four-week preseason could be trimmed to make way for more meaningful regular-season contests.
The potential shift also offers a strategic allure, stretching the NFL season further into February, potentially culminating with the Super Bowl on Presidents’ Day weekend. This repositioning could offer a tactical advantage by capturing audiences during a prominent holiday weekend. Goodell noted the benefits, saying, "It makes it Sunday night and then you have Monday off." Such a change could enhance the fan experience, offering extended festivities and uninterrupted viewership.
The transition to a 17-game regular season in 2021 was a significant shift for the NFL. Coupled with the expansion from 12 to 14 playoff teams, allowing only the top seed in each conference a playoff bye, the league appears continually motivated to enhance and evolve the traditional football format. This pattern of change ensures the NFL stays competitive in its offering both domestically and on a global stage.
One of the key considerations in extending the season is the potential global impact. Adding another regular-season game could expand the league's inventory, facilitating more international matchups and thus growing the NFL's global presence. "That will open up more inventory to allow us to play more globally," Goodell noted, hinting at the league's ambition to strengthen its international ties.
The league is mindful of its players, who, through their union, will be presented with findings from the ongoing analysis before any decisions are formalized. Since the abrupt cancellation of the preseason in 2020 due to COVID-19, there has been heightened attention on player welfare and the logistical challenges of altering the season structure.
As the NFL navigates these discussions, many elements will need careful consideration from logistics and player safety to television commitments and fan engagement. While an 18-game season remains a possibility, its realization depends on rigorous strategic planning and consensus among the league’s various stakeholders. Only time will tell if the NFL will take this ambitious step forward in its storied evolution.