Possible Expansion of NFL Regular Season Sparks Deliberations
In the ongoing discourse on the evolving landscape of the National Football League (NFL), Commissioner Roger Goodell has once again placed the potential expansion of the regular season in the spotlight. During a league meeting in December, Goodell broached the idea of extending the regular season from 17 to 18 games. This move continues to ripple through discussions across the league, even as it remains a non-priority on his current agenda.
Underpinning this potential change is the consideration of reducing the preseason to accommodate an 18-game schedule. The strategic implications of such an adjustment are significant, not least because it could align the end of the season with Presidents’ Day weekend, offering potential advantages in viewership and marketing.
The transition to a longer regular season is not unprecedented. The league previously shifted from a 16-game schedule to a 17-game one in 2021, and as with any large-scale change in the NFL, it was a move that required thorough analysis and negotiation. According to Goodell, the NFL is currently "doing analysis" on the possibilities but is "not finalizing any plans at this point."
The potential change necessitates detailed discussions with stakeholders, primarily the NFL Players Association. The findings from the league's comprehensive analysis will be presented to the players union, reflecting the collaborative approach required to implement any structural changes to the league's already packed calendar.
Strategic International Growth
One of the advantages of an extended regular season, as noted by Goodell, is the opportunity for international growth. "If we got to 18 and 2, that's not an unreasonable thing," Goodell remarked, hinting at the potential for more inventory to facilitate games on a global stage. Such expansion could significantly enhance the league's international footprint, building on current efforts to increase the NFL's presence around the globe.
This strategy isn’t without precedent; the NHL and NBA have made concerted efforts to capture international audiences with great success. However, any move to expand must be carefully balanced against players' welfare concerns due to the physical demands of a longer season.
Navigating Precedents and Past Decisions
Historically, the NFL has shown an ability to adapt its schedule in response to unforeseen circumstances, as evidenced by the league's decision to omit the preseason entirely in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While this was a temporary measure, it underscored the league's capacity to pivot and recalibrate its schedule in response to pressing issues.
Moreover, recent expansions, such as the increase from 12 to 14 playoff teams, illustrate the league's ongoing efforts to enhance competitiveness and fan engagement. Allowing only the No. 1 seed in each conference to receive a playoff bye was a strategic move aimed at intensifying the playoff race and ensuring the regular season remained compelling until its final weeks.
Time Will Tell
As with any potential shift in NFL policy, it’s a waiting game to see how - and if - change will be implemented. The intricate balance of tradition, player well-being, operational logistics, and business interests will weigh heavily in any final decisions.
For now, stakeholders and fans alike are left to wonder whether America's game might gain an additional week of exhilarating competition in the near future. As Goodell’s discourse suggests, the analysis will continue, but the conclusions remain to be seen.