NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell hints at expanding the league’s regular season to 18 games, while discussions with the NFLPA raise health and safety concerns.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has reiterated the possibility of expanding the league’s regular season to 18 games, calling it a “logical” progression during an appearance on Bloomberg TV’s The David Rubenstein Show: Peer to Peer Conversations.
Goodell outlined a potential framework that maintains the current 20-week structure by reducing the preseason schedule from three games to two.
“We would keep within that 20-game framework,” Goodell said. “We went to 16 and four, and now 17 and three. So 18 and two is a logical step.”
Challenges to Implementing an 18-Game Season
The move to a 17-game regular season in 2021 marked a significant change, and adding another game feels inevitable. However, several hurdles must be addressed:
- Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA): Approval from the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) is required. While the current CBA runs through 2030, high-level talks about an 18-game schedule have already begun.
- Player Health and Safety: Concerns about the physical toll of an extended season dominate discussions. In an October poll by The Athletic, nearly 60% of 108 players opposed an 18-game schedule, citing the risk of long-term injuries and increased wear and tear.
One player commented, “Physically, I think it’s too much, and I know from the standpoint of the NFL, they see the money, but they’re gonna lose a lot of star players to injuries.”
Potential Compromises
Some players suggested they might support the expansion if the league introduced a second bye week during the regular season.
While Goodell didn’t confirm if a second bye week is being considered, he acknowledged in October that the league would evaluate measures to enhance player safety and mitigate the physical strain.
“Can we continue to make the game safer, modify offseason and training camp practices, and ensure players feel comfortable playing for that period of time?” Goodell remarked.
The Financial Incentive
For the NFL, the motivation for an 18-game season is clear: increased revenue.
Adding another regular-season game could boost television ratings, ticket sales, and overall league income.
However, balancing this financial opportunity with player welfare remains critical to securing union approval.
What’s Next?
While there’s no set timeline for implementing an 18-game season, Goodell’s comments signal that discussions are gaining momentum.
The league and NFLPA will need to address economic terms, health protocols, and schedule adjustments before making any changes.
The question remains: can the NFL find a compromise that satisfies its financial goals while prioritizing player safety?
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