NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has raised the idea of extending the NFL season to 18 games, which would potentially move the Super Bowl to Presidents’ Day weekend. Goodell mentioned the possibility during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” stating that while the league is currently at 17 games, he believes they could possibly expand to 18. He expressed his dislike for the preseason and stated that he would prefer to replace a preseason game with a regular-season game. Any change to the schedule would have to be collectively bargained through the NFL Players Association.
Goodell also discussed increasing the international schedule and streaming platforms. He mentioned the possibility of playing 16 games internationally within the next decade and expanding to eight or nine games in the near future. Goodell emphasized the importance of using streaming platforms to reach a broader audience and increase fan interaction. The NFL has had success with streaming partnerships, such as the Thursday night package on Amazon Prime and YouTube hosting Sunday Ticket. These platforms have helped lower the average age of the audience, reaching a younger demographic.
The NFL’s focus on expanding the schedule and utilizing streaming platforms is part of their efforts to enhance fan engagement and reach a wider audience. Goodell highlighted the success of alternative broadcasts and the positive response from fans to increased interaction through online platforms. By investing in streaming options, the NFL aims to cater to the preferences of modern audiences and provide more exciting ways to engage with the sport. The league is also exploring the possibility of playing more games internationally to further grow its global fan base.
While no concrete steps have been taken to change the current 17-game schedule to 18 games, Goodell’s comments suggest a willingness to explore this option in the future. Any modifications to the schedule would need to be negotiated with the NFL Players Association to ensure that players’ interests and concerns are addressed. The potential move to 18 games would not only impact the regular season but could also shift the timing of the Super Bowl to Presidents’ Day weekend, creating a three-day weekend for fans to enjoy the game.
Overall, Goodell’s remarks shed light on the NFL’s plans to evolve and innovate in response to changing consumer preferences and technological advancements. By considering schedule expansions, international games, and streaming partnerships, the league aims to stay at the forefront of sports entertainment and provide fans with more ways to engage with the NFL. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, these initiatives will play a crucial role in maintaining the NFL’s position as a leading sports organization and attracting new generations of fans.
