With their next TV package starting in '98, NFL owners "are
firmly in the driver's seat," according to Steve Zipay of
NEWSDAY. To increase rights fees, "some owners will propose
expanding the regular season by two games and cutting back to two
preseason games." Sports TV and league sources agree one way the
NFL "could justifiably charge much, much more and create space
for another rights holder would be to add two games." Although
NFL spokesperson Joe Browne does not foresee a schedule change,
Zipay notes "Some owners apparently decided the opportunity is
there and could vote on the issue in March." One "major hurdle"
is the NFLPA, as players would have to approve two extra games,
which could affect long-term contracts. Plans include dropping
the bye week for the 17th game and the 18th game could fit by
starting the season earlier, "or more likely," moving the AFC and
NFC Championships to the weekend before the Super Bowl (NEWSDAY,
8/21). Will McDonough of the BOSTON GLOBE notes NFL owners "want
to reopen the TV package" this fall, a year early (USA TODAY,
8/21).
