The NFL’s journey towards an expanded regular season continues, despite having established a 10-year collective bargaining agreement (CBA) in 2020. Owners are advocating for the addition of an 18th game, with recent discussions highlighting an international component that aims to expand the league’s global footprint.
The 2020 CBA marked a significant shift in the NFL schedule, increasing the regular season from 16 to 17 games while reducing the preseason from four to three games. It also introduced changes to the playoff structure, adding a third wild-card team for each conference and eliminating the first-round bye for the second seed, leading to an additional round of playoff games. These changes evoked a mixed response from players, as the enhancement of their paychecks was tempered by legitimate health concerns, particularly following previous advocacy for player safety by the NFL Players Association (NFLPA).
Recently, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft revealed details of the owners’ current ambitions during an appearance on 98.5 The Sports Hub. He stated that the plan is to further adjust the regular season to 18 games while cutting down preseason games to just two. Importantly, each team would also be required to play at least one game overseas, aiming to enhance the league’s international presence.
Kraft emphasized the financial implications of these changes, discussing how increased international events and more regular-season games could result in expanded revenue for the franchise owners. He reiterated that these changes are essential for economic growth within the league while addressing the need to satisfy players’ earnings. However, no mention was made of addressing the players’ health concerns amid these proposed expansions. As it stands, the NFLPA remains staunchly opposed to altering the current CBA, which is set to last until 2031.
In conjunction with the potential expansion of the regular season, discussions about postseason changes are also on the table. Recent seasons have seen scenarios where division rivals vie for the top seed, often leading to an unfair advantage for teams in weaker divisions. Suggestions have been made, including a proposal by the Detroit Lions, that could allow for seeding based on overall record rather than divisional standings. Although this proposal did not move to a vote, the idea reflects ongoing discussions among NFL leadership, raising the prospect that changes could coincide with the introduction of an 18th regular-season game.
Despite the objections from players and their union, the NFL and its ownership are unwavering in their pursuit of these changes, signaling their commitment to evolving the game for both fans and financial viability. As negotiations continue and the landscape changes, the hope remains that the interests of players will also be taken into consideration in the upcoming changes.