As the NFL continues to discuss CBA negotiations throughout the offseason and into the regular season, one thing seems clear: Many NFL owners want an expanded season. While players and the NFLPA oppose expanding the season to 18 games, team owners are continuing to push for it.
According to a new report from ESPN, sources have said no real progress has been made in the current state of CBA negotiations. While players are still trying to increase their share of revenue, the owners don’t seem willing to discuss that unless the possibility of expanding the season is talked about first.
Article Continues BelowAs it stands, possibly expanding the season would likely make it easier for owners to part with more money, but players don’t want to risk the injuries and constant hits of an expanded season. No actual proposals have been made from the owners on how an expanded season would work, but the owners have floated a variety of ideas, all of which seem to involve adding either an extra game or two to the current format.
ESPN noted that an 18-game season has been discussed, as well as a 17-game season or simply adding an extra round of playoffs. What all of these concepts have in common is that they would reduce the number of preseason games, which is something every side wants. CBA talks will likely continue to occur until the expiration of the current one, although it seems both sides would like to avoid that.