The National Football League (NFL) is no stranger to evolution, always seeking to optimize its schedule and enhance the fan experience. In recent discussions, a significant change is being pondered: extending the regular season from 17 to 18 games. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, during a league meeting in December, provided insights into these deliberations, which are still very much in the exploratory phase.
Analyzing the Prospect of an 18-Game Season
Goodell made it clear that this potential change is not currently at the forefront of the league’s agenda. "We are doing analysis I would say, but we are not finalizing any plans at this point," he emphasized. The NFL appears to be in a meticulous analysis stage, evaluating the ramifications of extending the regular season by one game. This includes weighing the possible need to reduce the preseason, which was notably eliminated in 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns.
The decision to expand from a 16-game to a 17-game regular season in 2021 marked a significant shift, and the league is cautious in its approach to further alterations. The complexity of such a decision requires an exhaustive review process before any concrete steps are taken. The potential change is underpinned by a strategic component: ending the Super Bowl on Presidents’ Day weekend, which could offer a substantial strategic advantage.
Player Considerations and Broader Implications
The dialogue surrounding an 18-game season does not occur in a vacuum. Central to these discussions is the involvement and presentation of findings to the players union. The considerations are multifaceted, including player safety, scheduling logistics, and fan engagement. For Goodell, it opens up intriguing possibilities. "If we got to 18 and 2, that's not an unreasonable thing," he stated, suggesting a format where the regular season would consist of 18 games with 2 preseason contests, which could potentially broaden the league’s reach.
Goodell envisions expanding the league’s inventory as a tool for global growth; "That will open up more inventory to allow us to play more globally." Such an expansion could fortify the NFL's already robust international presence, drawing in fans from markets not traditionally familiar with the sport.
A Legacy of Expansion
The NFL's history of expansion is not limited to the regular season. The playoff structure was revamped when the league expanded from 12 to 14 playoff teams, ensuring only the No. 1 seed in each conference receives a precious playoff bye. These strategic choices underscore the NFL's commitment to maintaining competitive balance while increasing fan engagement.
However, altering the length of the season could have wide-reaching impacts on the league and its stakeholders. The league's careful consideration reflects its duty to balance commercial opportunities with the well-being of its players. The discussions and analyses continue, yet any changes will require collaborative engagement with all involved parties, particularly the players who are directly affected by season length alterations.
As the NFL navigates these discussions, the league will lean on its historical adaptability and its capability to cultivate an experience that fans cherish each season. The prospect of having more football and the evolution it entails sits tantalizingly on the horizon, as the league deliberates the prospects and pitfalls of an 18-game season. With Goodell at the helm, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the story develops.