NFL & NFLPA In Talks Over An 18-Game Schedule

The NFL and the players’ association are discussing an 18-game schedule. NFLPA director Lloyd Howell told the Washington Post that commissioner Rodger Goodell was in favor of swapping a preseason contest for an extra regular-season game.

“We have talked at a very high level superficially about, ‘Yeah, this is something that we should be talking about,” Howell said. The NFLPA’s director also noted that talks with the NFL haven’t reached a stage of formal negotiations. “There are other economic, health and safety concerns that need to be clear to our members before there’s ever an agreement about an 18th game.”

Goodell envisioned a slate ending on Presidents Day Weekend with the Super Bowl being played on Sunday night. “We think that’s a good trade,” Goodell said to support an extended schedule during the league meetings in May. “Less preseason games and more regular-season games, most would think that’s beneficial.”

Howell noted that the NFLPA can get a deal done before the league’s collective bargaining agreement terminates in 2030 if enough players are on board. “The simple fact of the matter is when you have a growing enterprise, and there are opportunities within that period of time where progress can be made, and you could tweak the existing CBA document, why wouldn’t you want to do that?” Howell commented.

If the NFL decides to add another game to the schedule, the players’ association would need to approve the request. In 2020, the last CBA agreed upon by the NFLPA was to add 17 games to the schedule, but just over half of players were in favor. Aaron Rodgers is the most notable player who opposed the change.