The possibility of further expanding the NFL regular season is on the horizon, as Commissioner Roger Goodell recently discussed during a league meeting in December. The proposal to extend the regular season from 17 to 18 games was a topic explored by Goodell, though it remains a lower priority on his current agenda.
Navigating Strategic Expansion
As the NFL continues to globalize and grow its brand, one strategic concept under consideration is the idea that transitioning to an 18-game season could align with potential opportunities. Goodell remarked, "If we get to 18 and 2, that's not an unreasonable thing," referencing the potential alteration to increase the structure of regular season games and reduce preseason match-ups correspondingly.
With the idea of playing more games internationally, Goodell sees a potential corporate and strategic advantage in extending the regular season. His vision is that "more inventory" would allow for increased engagement via games played on a global scale, which is a growing area of interest for the league.
Analysis and Considerations
However, the league is not rushing into these changes without thorough consideration. "We are doing analysis, I would say, but we are not finalizing any plans at this point," Goodell clarified through NFL Media. The process involves comprehensive analysis, and the league remains in its early stages of evaluation. Before any significant decisions are made, the findings will be meticulously reviewed and presented to the players' union, ensuring due diligence, especially since such expansions would directly impact the athletes.
The NFL has historically shown an appetite for expansion and change. It moved from a 16-game to a 17-game regular season in 2021, which was initially groundbreaking. This transition aligned with the NFL's broader agenda of increasing competitive balance and viewer engagement. Furthermore, in 2020, necessitated by COVID-19, the NFL made the tough decision to skip the preseason entirely, reflecting its ability to adapt dynamically in challenging circumstances.
Postseason Implications and Long-Term Vision
The league has also altered its playoff format. By increasing the number of playoff teams from 12 to 14, only the No. 1 seed in each conference receives a first-round bye. These changes, coupled with the potential for an 18-game regular season, highlight the NFL's willingness to reconfigure traditional frameworks to enhance competition and excitement.
One of the more innovative proposals involves timing the Super Bowl to conclude on Presidents’ Day weekend, thus potentially maximizing viewership. As Goodell noted, "It makes it Sunday night and then you have Monday off," an idea that could entice fans and networks alike.
The journey to a larger regular season is complex and multi-faceted, reflecting the modern sports landscape's intricate balance between maintaining player safety, optimizing viewer experiences, and driving commercial success. As the league conducts its comprehensive analysis, the potential for adopting an 18-game schedule remains an exciting and strategically enticing prospect for all involved.