NEW ORLEANS — The prospect of an 18-game NFL regular season isn’t guaranteed and is facing pushback from the NFL Players Association. Lloyd Howell, the NFLPA’s executive director, expressed concerns on Wednesday about the expansion, even as league Commissioner Roger Goodell has suggested that it might be a future reality.
Although no formal negotiations regarding an extended season have taken place, Howell emphasized that any discussions about this topic are merely speculative at this point. He highlighted that the players play a decisive role in any agreements, stating, “Their side hasn’t raised it, we certainly haven’t raised it. … Any commentary outside of a formal negotiation is just commentary.” After conversations with players over the past two seasons, Howell noted that there is no interest among them for an additional 18th game, with many players finding even the current 17-game season excessive.
If the NFLPA were to consider an 18-game season, several conditions would likely be required from the league. Jalen Reeves-Maybin, the president of the NFLPA and a linebacker for the Lions, refrained from detailing specific demands, commenting, “It wouldn’t be fair for us to speak for everyone. There are thousands of guys and we haven’t been deep enough into the conversation.” Among the requests players might pursue are enhanced financial compensation, an additional bye week, modifications to the offseason schedule, improvements in playing surfaces, and an expanded roster, as well as addressing rest periods between games, with particular attention to international matches.
Howell asserted that if negotiations around the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) began, they would raise concerns regarding field conditions, player safety, and various other related matters. “No matter what Roger says, you open up that CBA and we’re going to get into field surfaces, we’re going to get into safety, we’re going to get into a lot of things,” he explained. Furthermore, discussions around revenue distribution are anticipated to be a significant focus.
He added, “If I’m asking my workforce to work more, it’s not as simple as I’m gonna fall back on the revenue split that already exists. There are so many dimensions that hang off the length of the season.” Some players have expressed disappointment that the NFLPA did not negotiate more aggressively during the last labor talks, as the 2020 CBA passed by a narrow margin of 1,019 to 959 votes. Under the present agreement, the players’ cut of league revenue increased from 47% to 48% in 2021, with potential for further growth facilitated by a media incentive stemming from the 17-game season. Players are expected to push for at least a 50% share to accommodate an additional game.
Seasoned players are aware of the toll that an expanded schedule would take on their bodies. “This time of year, the training room is pretty full,” stated Texans quarterback Case Keenum. “A lot of us are struggling to get our bodies right. I know most of my teammates don’t feel normal until July when it’s time for another season.” In response to growing calls for more football, Goodell mentioned that there is substantial work ahead before any transition to an 18-game season could be considered viable. “If we do, 18 and 2 might be a possibility,” he remarked, acknowledging that while fans crave more football, careful consideration of the player experience is critical.
Changes in training and equipment have been credited with reducing injuries and concussions, potentially making an extended schedule more feasible. However, Commanders running back Austin Ekeler expressed personal misgivings about the idea, stating, “I’d say even just the thought of 18 games makes me cringe, personally speaking. Like for me, my ankles as a running back, it takes a few months to heal up after the season.” The current CBA is in place until the conclusion of the 2030 season, though it remains possible for both the league and the players’ association to agree on amendments earlier.
