The NFLPA boss firmly states that an 18-game NFL regular season is not a reality players are eager to embrace.
On Wednesday, NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell expressed his concerns, despite NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s confident assertions that such an expansion seems inevitable.
Currently, there have been no formal discussions between the two sides regarding the possibility of extending the season, a move that would necessitate a renegotiation of the collective bargaining agreement.
Howell noted, “Their side hasn’t raised it, we certainly haven’t raised it. … Any commentary outside of a formal negotiation is just commentary. It’s a players’ decision as to what they will agree to do or not. Right now, when I have talked to players over the last two seasons, no one wants to play an 18th game. No one. Seventeen games, for many of the guys, is too long.”
Naturally, if the players’ union were to consider an 18th game, they would demand significant concessions from the league.
Jalen Reeves-Maybin, a linebacker for the Detroit Lions and current NFLPA president, refrained from detailing the specific demands players might have, stating, “It wouldn’t be fair for us to speak for everyone. There’s thousands of guys and we haven’t been deep enough into the conversation.”
Howell emphasized the broader issues that would arise if the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) were to be reopened, saying, “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.”
A critical aspect of any negotiation will be the distribution of revenue.
Under the existing CBA, players’ share of league revenue increased from 47% to 48% in 2021. The introduction of a “media kicker” with the 17-game season further raised that share to 48.5%, thanks to revenue growth from new television contracts. The maximum potential share was 48.8%. To consider adding another game, players will likely seek at least a 50% share.
“This time of year, the training room is pretty full,” remarked 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.”
Goodell acknowledged on Monday that “a lot of work needs to be done” before the NFL could realistically consider expanding to an 18-game schedule.
Commenting on the potential increase, Commanders running back Austin Ekeler said, “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.”
While the current CBA is set to run through the 2030 season, both sides have the option to agree on amendments at any time.
