NFL Owners Looking To Revisit 18-Game Schedule, Expanded Playoffs In CBA Talks

Mark Maske of the Washington Post reports that some NFL owners favor revisiting the possibility of an 18-game regular season or an expanded playoff field and offer the NFLPA concessions on the commissioner’s disciplinary authority and the sport’s marijuana policy.

According to Maske, it’s not clear how many owners want an 18-game season or how hard they would push on the issue if the players remain firmly opposed.

However, the owners believe the additional regular season games would generate significant revenue and could be made a more appealing option by reducing the number of preseason games and increasing roster sizes among other concessions.

Beyond that, the NFL could increase the playoff field from 12 to 14 games with one team having a first-round bye instead of two.

Maske’s sources have said that the NFL would have little problem in terms of limiting commissioner Roger Goodell’s authority in player discipline as part of negotiations.

As for the NFL’s marijuana policy, Maske mentions that some owners would be receptive to further changes to it after recently opening the possibility of changes.

While the NFL and the players union have had two formal bargaining sessions, Maske says that most of the work so far has been done by staffers. Although, involved of key figures like  Goodell and NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith could signal that an agreement is within reach.

We’ll have more regarding CBA negotiations as the news is available.