Roger Goodell, the NFL commissioner, has long voiced a vision for a future where the gridiron action extends further into the year. Recently, he expressed a preference for a new scheduling format—envisioning a structure where each team would engage in 18 regular-season games accompanied by just two preseason contests.
This marks a significant shift from the traditional balance of preseason and regular-season games, spotlighting the league’s evolving approach to scheduling that aims to maximize competitive play and fan engagement.
A Stepping Stone Towards More?
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, a noted league insider, has taken Goodell’s proposals a step further. He confidently predicts that the NFL’s journey towards an 18-game regular season is merely a precursor to an even more ambitious goal. “For the same reason 17 was a stepping stone to 18, 18 could be a stepping stone to 19—which could be a stepping stone to 20,” Florio articulated.
This progression reflects a broader strategy aimed at enhancing the value of each game season, potentially leading to a future where preseason games are phased out entirely.
NFL Considers 20-Game Season Expansion
The movement towards expanding the regular season isn’t new. Even before the league implemented a 17-game schedule in March 2021, discussions had circulated among team owners about increasing the total number of games to 20 per season. These conversations highlight a persistent drive to adapt and expand the league’s offerings to meet fan demands and optimize revenue opportunities.
The preseason has often been a point of contention for fans, many of whom struggle to sell tickets or feel obligated to attend what they view as non-essential exhibition games. Florio suggests that these sentiments are acknowledged by the league with moves towards a more streamlined preseason.
Players Seek Safeguards Amidst Expansion
With the push towards more regular-season games, the NFL Players Association might lobby for additional changes to ensure player welfare. One such proposal is the addition of a second bye week, which would provide players extra recovery time amidst an extended season. Moreover, expanding club rosters could be a key strategy to manage the increased physical demands on players.
Florio hints at potential resistance from players, suggesting that “owners would lock the players out until the union agreed to an 18-and-two format,” echoing previous labor disputes in 2011 and 2020.
NFL owners have approved the expansion of the NFL regular season to 17 games, and have committed to increased international games.
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 30, 2021
Slow Evolution, NFL’s Future Plans
While some of these changes might seem far off, Florio remains optimistic yet realistic about the pace of change: “It might not happen in my lifetime, but it’s coming.” This reflects a recognition of the slow but steady evolution of the league’s operational and scheduling philosophies.
The Popularity of NFL Games
The NFL’s ability to draw massive television audiences is undiminished, with games making up 93 of the 100 most-watched programs in the country in 2023. This popularity underpins the league’s confidence in its strategic shifts, suggesting that increasing the number of regular-season games could further boost viewer engagement and generate additional revenue for both owners and players.
NFL Considers Expanding Regular Season
As the NFL looks to the future, the potential expansion of the regular season signifies a major shift in how professional football is presented and consumed. With each proposed change, the league aims to balance player welfare with commercial interests and fan engagement, setting the stage for a dynamic future that could reshape the professional sports landscape.
