NFL news: League could push for 18-game schedule in labor talks

The NFL could be headed for a work stoppage after the 2020 season and one reason why might be the proposed 18-game regular season.

The National Football League could push for an 18-game schedule during labor talks.

The Washington Post’s Mark Maske (via Pro Football Talk’s Charean Williams) reported on the development on May 29.

The NFL could seek an 18-game regular season or an expanded playoff field in a new labor deal, Mark Maske of The Washington Post reports.

In return, Maske says, many owners are willing to offer players concessions to the commissioner’s disciplinary authority and to the marijuana policy.

Maske quoted a high-ranking official with one NFL team saying ‘some owners…would like to expand the season’ to 18 games but added it’s not clear ‘if there is much support from the players on that.’

With CBA negotiations at hand, some NFL owners favor revisiting the 18-game season or the expanded playoffs and many seem willing to make concessions to the NFLPA on the commissioner’s disciplinary authority and the sport’s marijuana policy… https://t.co/G89eN4cclP

— MarkMaske (@MarkMaske) May 29, 2019

According to Williams, players “have adamantly opposed an expanded schedule.” Among the NFL executives who are against the idea include New York Giants co-owner John Mara and Green Bay Packers CEO, Mark Murphy. The latter, in particular, has expressed concerns on its impact on the players’ health and safety.

However, Williams reports the NFL is leaning toward the 18-game regular season schedule. She cites legalized gambling as one of the league’s reasons.

Maske argues expanding the NFL’s postseason field from 12 to 14 teams could significantly boost league revenue. He adds the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) could have a more favorable stance toward this alternative rather than an 18-game regular season schedule.

NFL Owners Looking To Revisit 18-Game Schedule, Expanded Playoffs In CBA Talks https://t.co/DrkEVPJiuc pic.twitter.com/sFOMCE9kzF

— NFLTradeRumors.co (@nfltrade_rumors) May 29, 2019

In addition, the current collective bargaining agreement will also expire after the 2020 NFL season. “Union leaders have warned players and their agents to be prepared for a potential work stoppage,” per The Washington Post.

The NFL will celebrate its 100th year in 2019. The league could have either an 18-game regular season or expanded postseason format. Whatever the outcome, expect mixed reactions from football fans.