NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is proposing a significant reshaping of the league’s season format, including an increase in regular-season games and a reduction in preseason contests. During an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Friday, Goodell shared his long-term vision for the NFL, which involves numerous changes to the current schedule. Specifically, Goodell said he would like to see the regular season expanded to 18 games and the preseason shortened to two games, a shift from the current format of 17 regular-season and three preseason games that was implemented in 2021. “I think we’re good at 17 now,” Goodell said. “But, listen, we’re looking at how we continue. I’m not a fan of the preseason.” Gesturing toward a group of fans nearby, he added, “And I don’t think these guys like it either.” Goodell believes that replacing a preseason game with a regular-season game would improve the quality of play. “If we get to 18 and 2, that’s not an unreasonable thing,” he said. Adding an additional regular-season game could potentially lead to a second bye week, which would lengthen the regular season. However, Goodell said he would welcome that change, as he envisions a Presidents Day weekend built around the Super Bowl on Sunday night followed by a day off on Monday. It’s important to note that any changes to the length of the season would need to be collectively bargained with the NFL Players Association. The move to 17 games initially faced significant opposition from players, but the CBA ultimately passed with a slim majority in player balloting. Goodell also spoke about a future increase in the number of games played internationally, saying he envisions as many as 16 regular-season games being played abroad, perhaps within the next ten years. The NFL is adding additional international markets, including Brazil this year and Spain next year. As for whether a team or division will ever be based overseas, Goodell seemed less certain. “Will a franchise ever happen or a division?” he said. “Maybe. I think that’s beyond ten years though.” The proposed changes to the NFL season format are significant and would have a major impact on the league. It remains to be seen whether the players and owners will agree to these changes, but Goodell’s vision provides a glimpse of the potential future of the NFL.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Envisions Future with 18 Regular-Season Games, Presidents Day Super Bowl, and Expanded International Play
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