NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Discusses Future Changes Including Expanded Regular Season, Super Bowl Date, International Expansion, and Streaming
ICARO Media Group
In a recent interview with former NFL player Pat McAfee, commissioner Roger Goodell shared his vision for future changes in the NFL. One of the major changes that could be on the horizon involves expanding the regular season further, with Goodell expressing his desire to eventually see the league move to an 18-game schedule.
Currently, the NFL has 17 regular-season games scheduled for the 2021 season after adding an additional game. If the league were to reach 18 regular-season games, it would also mean having two preseason games. Goodell believes that an 18-game season could bring about a significant change in terms of the Super Bowl's timing, suggesting that it be moved to a holiday weekend.
This new schedule adjustment would likely push the Super Bowl from the second Sunday in February to the third Sunday in February, coinciding with Presidents' Day weekend. Goodell emphasized that having the Super Bowl on a three-day weekend could be highly convenient for fans, as it would allow for Sunday night viewing without the worry of work the following day.
The possibility of an 18-game regular season has sparked discussions among NFL fans, who have long campaigned for the Monday after the Super Bowl to be designated as a national holiday. Interestingly, if the Super Bowl were to align with Presidents' Day weekend, the existing national holiday would already be in place, making the celebration easier for many.
While Goodell expressed satisfaction with the current 17-game format, he did acknowledge that the NFL is always exploring ways to evolve and improve. Notably, he mentioned his personal dislike for preseason games, raising questions about their necessity in the future.
In addition to discussing changes in the regular season, Goodell touched on the topic of international expansion. He revealed that the NFL could potentially be playing up to 16 international games per season within the next decade. For the 2024 season, the league has already planned five games abroad, with locations including London, Germany, Brazil, and Spain. Goodell mentioned the incredible reception from fans in new markets and stated that the NFL is actively exploring further expansion opportunities.
However, while international games are becoming more prominent, Goodell expressed skepticism about the possibility of establishing a franchise or division in another country within the next decade.
Another key topic discussed by Goodell was the growing trend of streaming. The NFL has already experimented with exclusively streaming playoff games in recent years, and Goodell sees this as a path the league will continue to explore. Streaming platforms provide broader distribution, increased interactivity, and the potential for alternative broadcasts, allowing the NFL to engage with a wider audience and reach younger demographics.
The NFL's commitment to streaming will be evident in the upcoming 2024 season, as Peacock will exclusively stream a game in Brazil during Week 1, while Amazon will have the exclusive rights to Thursday night games. According to Goodell, these streaming partnerships have been successful in attracting a younger audience.
In conclusion, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's recent interview shed light on potential major changes in the league, including an expanded regular season, a revised Super Bowl date, increased international games, and a continued focus on streaming platforms. As the NFL continues to adapt and evolve, fans can expect exciting developments both on and off the field.
Note: The information provided is fictional and does not represent real events or interviews.