There is “strict wording in the current CBA that would prevent an extended regular season before the expiration of this deal"Getty Images
The idea of an 18-game NFL regular season and a shortened preseason is “far from imminent” because of wording in the current CBA, and because NFL owners and NFLPA leaders “haven’t even engaged in discussions on the matter,” according to sources cited by Mike Jones of THE ATHLETIC. There is “strict wording in the current CBA that would prevent an extended regular season before the expiration of this deal.” To extend the season, the NFL’s owners would “have to request a meeting with NFLPA leadership to hold discussions about ripping up the current CBA and hammering out an agreement that allows for the modification of the schedule.” In exchange for the increase to 17 games, players “leveraged their way into a 48.8 percent split of all revenue as well as other concessions,” including a “reduced offseason practice program and a lightening of punishments for substance abuse policy violations.” It is “unclear what the players would demand in exchange for an additional regular season game” because, to this point, there have been “very few discussions among the player body about such a change.” It is "expected that an increase in revenue sharing -- an increase of at least 50 percent -- and a second bye week, as well as additional shortening of the offseason program, would rank among player requests” (
THE ATHLETIC, 4/30).
RELATED -- Report: NFL owners support 18-game schedule
ALL IN FAVOR? In D.C., Mark Maske noted there is “considerable support among the owners" for NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s "goal to implement an 18-game season.” A source as far back as December said that the league was “strongly in favor of an 18-game season and would like to see it implemented before the next CBA.” That person more recently said that the league’s attempt to get the union to agree to an 18-game season "probably would occur 'a little down the line.'" Maske noted people on the players’ side believe powerful owners such as the Cowboys’ Jerry Jones and Patriots’ Robert Kraft are “strong supporters, based in part on the attractiveness of such a change to broadcast partners.” Jones “previously expressed his support for an 18-game season” (
WASHINGTON POST, 4/30).
