During the annual press conference on Wednesday, NFLPA Executive Director Lloyd Howell Jr. firmly stated that no player wants to add an 18th game to the regular season schedule, emphasizing that 17 games are sufficient. This stance contrasts sharply with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s repeated endorsements of the idea. Although an 18-game season is not imminent, discussions around its feasibility and potential benefits continue to gain traction.
The NFL’s Perspective
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has long expressed interest in expanding the regular season to 18 games. He has consistently suggested that increasing the number of games would enhance fan engagement and generate additional revenue. A key argument in favor of expansion is that eliminating a preseason game in favor of an additional regular season matchup would boost the league’s overall appeal, as preseason games typically attract less viewership and interest.
Additionally, financial incentives are a driving force behind the push for expansion. Currently, the league generates around $20 billion in revenue, and Goodell reportedly aims to increase that number significantly before retiring. The expansion proposal includes not only an extra game but also an additional bye week to help players recover, strategically positioning the Super Bowl on Presidents’ Day weekend for maximum viewership and financial benefit.
The Players’ Concerns
Despite the potential financial gains, players remain apprehensive about the physical toll of an extended season. Many argue that adding an 18th game is far more demanding than it appears. Some players liken the physical toll of an extra game to the equivalent of playing multiple additional games due to cumulative fatigue and injury risk.
Several players have previously voiced opposition to lengthening the season, recalling similar resistance before the introduction of the 17-game schedule. Before the last Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), many players were against adding a 17th game, yet they ultimately conceded. The concern now is that history may repeat itself, with the league eventually persuading players to accept the change through negotiations offering enhanced benefits and revenue-sharing opportunities.
Potential Negotiation Points
If the NFLPA were to entertain the idea of an 18-game season, it would likely demand substantial concessions. Beyond the additional bye week, players might seek an increased share of league revenue, improved practice schedules, and potential adjustments to player contracts, including the removal of restrictive franchise tags. The negotiation process would also need to address player health and safety measures to mitigate the physical strain of a lengthier season.
The Road Ahead
While Goodell and other league executives continue to promote the idea, an 18-game season remains a topic of long-term discussion rather than immediate action. It could take several years—possibly beyond the current CBA—for such a shift to occur. However, history suggests that financial incentives often sway negotiations, making it likely that the NFL and NFLPA will eventually find a compromise.
For now, the debate continues, with the NFLPA maintaining a firm stance against expansion while the league explores avenues to make the proposal more palatable. Fans and stakeholders should prepare for ongoing discussions, as the possibility of an 18-game season looms on the horizon.