The NFL Players Association may push back against Roger Goodell’s plan to increase the season to 18 games, as it would mean a second bye week and a start date on Labor Day Weekend. Despite the league’s historically lower ratings on that weekend, with its recent growth, it may be open to the idea of starting the season there.
If the NFL expands to an 18-game season, offseason events such as the Scouting Combine, free agency, and the draft could be pushed back to later in the year. This would only increase the league’s dominance of the sports calendar. However, expansion to 19 or even 20 games is seen as inevitable due to the revenue that comes from more games. The league’s desire for more money may ultimately lead to an expansion of teams beyond the current 32.
Despite potential resistance, it seems that more football is on the horizon for the NFL whether fans and players are ready for it or not. The drive for more games and more revenue is a key factor behind Goodell’s push for an expanded season.
