In a press conference at the conclusion of the Spring League Meeting in Nashville, Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed several key topics, including the possibility of an 18-game regular-season schedule and the potential for private equity in NFL ownership.

The discussion of an 18-game regular season arose after Goodell mentioned on The Pat McAfee Show last month a scenario where teams would play 18 regular-season games, with two preseason games and the Super Bowl to be scheduled during President's Day weekend. Goodell clarified that his comments were not a direct proposal but rather a reflection of the league's long-term plans. However, he acknowledged that an 18-game season is being considered, with player health and the quality of the game being important factors to be addressed. Goodell emphasized that player safety would remain a top priority, stating, "Seventeen games is a long season, so we want to make sure we look at that and continue the safety efforts."

The potential shift to an 18-game regular season would require agreement from the NFL Players Association. Goodell noted that working with the players' association would be a crucial step in proceeding with any changes. Furthermore, he suggested that reducing the number of preseason games could be a trade-off to accommodate more regular-season games, a proposition that might be favorable to various stakeholders.

Another significant topic of discussion during the meeting was the consideration of private equity in team ownership. While a formal vote on the matter did not take place, Goodell expressed his expectation that progress would be made by the end of the year. The Commissioner mentioned that the finance committee has been actively working on this issue, and there is substantial interest in the private equity space. As the value of NFL franchises continues to rise, allowing private equity into ownership has become a more prominent consideration.

Goodell confirmed that the debt limit for franchise acquisition was raised to $1.4 billion, an increase of $200 million from the previous limit. The owners' agreement to raise the debt limit indicates their support for the direction the league is heading in terms of potential private equity opportunities. Goodell expressed his confidence in the committee's work and their commitment to thoroughly evaluating this matter.

Regarding other matters, Goodell provided an update on Tom Brady's ownership stake in the Las Vegas Raiders. While progress has been made, there are still some issues related to the valuation of Brady's stake and his status as a broadcaster for FOX Sports. Goodell assured that they are working on resolving these matters.

Regarding the ongoing investigation into potential tampering by the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles during free agency, Goodell stated that he had not received any updates on the reviews.

As the NFL continues to navigate potential changes and explore new opportunities, Commissioner Roger Goodell remains focused on factors such as player safety, game quality, and the future of ownership structures. The league's discussions around an 18-game regular-season schedule and private equity in ownership show that the NFL is committed to constantly evolving and staying ahead in the rapidly changing sports landscape.