Long-rumored changes to the NFL are nearing reality.
According to a new report by Mark Maske: The Washington Post, The NFL and NFLPA have begun “high-level discussions” regarding moving to an 18-game format. The Washington Post NFLPA Executive Director Lloyd Howell told Musk that while “formal” talks have not yet begun between the NFL and NFLPA, the two sides have begun discussions, and this is the latest sign that an extended game schedule is being considered.
“We had a discussion on the surface at a very, very, very high level, recognizing, ‘Yes, this is something we should be talking about, and we need to actually try it out and understand what else is included in the decision-making process.'” Howell says.“Where does the 18th game come from? The foregone conclusion is, well, if not, [preseason games] “It will be in August. We will look at it positively. But these are details that really need to be fleshed out. But again, we also need to be clear with our members on other economic, health and safety issues before we agree on an 18th game.”
The league’s current collective bargaining agreement runs through the 2030 season and contains a clause that prohibits the league from unilaterally extending the length of the season, but Howell told Musk that a deal to increase the number of games could be reached between the league and the players’ association before a new collective bargaining agreement is ratified.
“The simple fact is, if a company is growing and has the opportunity to make progress in that time and tweak the legal documents of the existing CBA, why wouldn’t you want to do that?” Howell said. “Whether it’s the surface of the field, [offseason] The schedule, if you want to call it a formality, I call it a negotiation. I call it an amendment. I call it an update to what is now a living document called the CBA. Well, I would like to allow our members to jump on it when they can, instead of waiting until their playing days are over and then just going through the same cycle all over again.”
At the NFL owners’ meetings earlier this spring, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said he would prefer a longer schedule and suggested a reduction in the number of preseason games could be considered as part of any agreement.
“We will do that in the context of a reduced number of preseason games.” Goodell said in April.“I think that’s a good deal.”
What’s another potential impact of an 18-game schedule?
Aligning the Super Bowl with Presidents’ Day weekend in the United States to create a potential day off for fans.
something Goodell also emphasized this in April..
“Right now, I think 17 wins is good,” Goodell said in April, “but I’m thinking about what we’re going to do. I don’t like the preseason. Realistically, I’d rather play regular-season games than preseason games. It’s just a matter of quality. If we’re 18-2, that’s not unreasonable.”
“And then Monday is off,” Goodell said of the holiday weekend.
