18 Games or Bust: The NFL’s Expansion Plans and their Potential Impact on the League’s Calendar and Offseason Events
The NFL is considering expanding its season to 18 games, a move that could have significant implications for the league’s calendar and offseason events. If this expansion happens, it may be necessary to move the Super Bowl to President’s Day Weekend or start the season on Labor Day Weekend to accommodate an additional bye week requested by the NFL Players Association.
Labor Day Weekend has traditionally been avoided by the league due to lower ratings, but with the NFL’s growth, it could become a prime football weekend in the future. This shift could also impact other offseason events, with the Scouting Combine potentially moving to March, free agency to April, and the draft to May.
If an 18-game season becomes a reality, it is likely that the NFL will eventually aim for even more games, potentially leading to a 19 or 20-game season in the future. This expansion could also mean an increase in the number of teams in the league.
As the NFL continues to grow and seek ways to generate more revenue, it is clear that more football is on the horizon. Whether fans are ready for it or not, it seems like more games are on the way for the league.