Posted on Apr 26
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Considers Format Changes: 18 Regular-Season Games, Presidents Day Super Bowl, and Increased International Presence
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title: NFL Commissioner Contemplates Format Changes Including 18-Game Season and International Expansion date: Jan 1, 2023
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Considers Sweeping Changes to League Format
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is contemplating significant changes to the league's format, including the possibility of an 18-game regular season, a Presidents Day weekend Super Bowl, and an increase in international games. Goodell shared his vision during an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," sparking discussions about the potential future of the NFL.
During his interview on "The Pat McAfee Show," Goodell expressed his preference for an 18-game regular season accompanied by two preseason contests. This suggestion marks a departure from the current format, which consists of 17 regular-season games and three preseason games since the 2021 season. The commissioner emphasized his lack of enthusiasm for the preseason and suggested that many fans share the sentiment.
If the league were to adopt an additional regular-season game, it could potentially lead to the inclusion of a second bye week, thereby extending the regular season. Goodell welcomed this idea, envisioning a Presidents Day weekend centered around the Super Bowl on Sunday night, with Monday being designated as a day off.
It's important to note that any modifications to the length of the season would require collective bargaining with the NFL Players Association, similar to the negotiations undertaken during the most recent labor deal.
In addition to contemplating changes to the regular-season schedule, Goodell also discussed the possibility of increasing international games. He shared his vision of having up to 16 regular-season games played abroad within the next 10 years. The NFL has been actively expanding into new international markets, such as Brazil and Spain, as part of its ongoing efforts to globalize the league.
However, while Goodell expressed enthusiasm for increasing international games, he remained uncertain about the feasibility of having a team or division based overseas. He suggested that such developments might be more than a decade away, highlighting the complex nature of such a significant shift in the league's structure.
It is crucial to recognize that any potential changes to the length of the NFL season, as well as the expansion of international games, would necessitate collective bargaining with the NFL Players Association. The players' union would need to be involved in negotiations, ensuring that the interests of the players are taken into account and that any alterations to the league's format align with their best interests.
As discussions continue and ideas are floated, it remains to be seen how these proposals will progress and whether they will ultimately come to fruition. The NFL, under Goodell's leadership, continues to explore innovative ways to enhance the fan experience, expand its global reach, and adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of professional football.
The future of the NFL may involve an 18-game season, a Presidents Day weekend Super Bowl, and an increased presence on the international stage, but only time will tell if these ambitious plans become a reality.