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Stephen Holder, ESPN
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is considering a future with an 18-game regular season, a Super Bowl weekend on Presidents’ Day and a significant increase in international play.
Goodell, during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Friday, shared his long-term vision, one that includes many changes to the current format of the season.
Specifically, Goodell said he will adopt a schedule that includes 18 regular-season games and two preseason contests, a significant change from the current 17 regular-season games and the previous three contests. season is done in 2021.
“I think we’re okay at 17 now,” Goodell said. “But, listen, we’re looking at how we get on. I’m not a fan of the pre-season.” Then, pointing toward a group of fans gathered nearby, Goodell said, “And I don’t think these people like it either.” He continued: “The reality is, I’d rather replace a pre-season game with a regular season game any day. It’s just selective quality. If we get to 18 and 2, that’s no must be absurd.”
Theoretically, adding an additional game during the regular season could result in adding a second bye week, which would extend the regular season. But Goodell would welcome it, he said, as he envisions a Presidents’ Day weekend organized around the Super Bowl on Sunday night.
“And then you get Monday off,” Goodell said.
To date, no steps toward any potential changes have been made. And it’s important to note that changes to season length will need to be negotiated jointly with the NFL Players Association, just as the most recent labor agreement was negotiated.
The move to 17 games initially met with significant opposition from players, even after owners approved the deal. Prominent players such as New York Jets midfielder Aaron Rodgers publicly pushed back. The CBA ultimately passed with a majority of player votes, 51.5% voting in favor.
Goodell also talked about an increase in the number of games played internationally in the future, saying he envisions as many as 16 regular season games being played overseas within the next 10 years. The NFL is adding more international markets, including Brazil this year and Spain next year.
As for whether a team or division is based abroad, Goodell seemed less certain.
“Will the franchise ever happen or split?” he say. “Maybe so. I think more than 10 years.”
