• Loading stock data...
Friday, May 30, 2025

Goodell: 18-Game NFL Season Not on Table Until CBA Talks Begin

Goodell says the NFL won’t pursue an 18-game season until CBA negotiations, delaying possible expansion until 2031.

Feb 3, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during a press conference ahead of Super Bowl LIX at New Orleans Saints Locker Room.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

NEW ORLEANS — The NFL does not expect to negotiate with the players’ union for an 18th regular-season game until it starts collective bargaining talks, commissioner Roger Goodell told reporters during his annual Super Bowl press conference Monday, suggesting an expansion of the schedule is more than just a few years away. 

The current NFL collective bargaining agreement doesn’t expire until 2031, but that does not preclude the league and union from amending the agreement, something recent reports have said could happen. But Goodell, seated in front of the Super Bowl LIX helmets of the Chiefs and Eagles, placed talks for an 18th game in the context of fully formed labor talks.

Asked by moderator Curt Menefee whether Goodell had a deadline for adding an 18th regular-season game, the commissioner replied, “Those things, Curt, they come up in the context of the broader CBA issues. I don’t think you isolate one of those issues over any others. It will be part of the formal discussions when we get to it.”

Global Expansion, DEI, and Future Plans

Goodell also put a qualifier on the chance of an international Super Bowl. After expressing optimism about the prospects in October, he said Monday it would happen only if it was in the city of a new franchise. Of course, if the NFL ever did expand internationally, it almost goes without saying the new club, or clubs, would vie to host a Super Bowl.

The commissioner, questioned about his dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the wake of the sharp political turn against these programs, particularly by the Trump Administration, offered a vigorous defense and said the NFL is better with DEI. “There are no quotas in our system,” he said.

Goodell confirmed the league would consider selling an international-only package of games to a media outlet, whether a streamer or linear television. The NFL aims to have 16 overseas games annually and will stage about half that many next season. And he said the league in the offseason could look again at the terms of Tom Brady’s role as part-owner of the Raiders and Fox NFL broadcaster.

Goodell also revealed the NFL is considering starting professional men’s and women’s flag football leagues. Flag football, which is an Olympic sport in 2028, is a big focus of the NFL because it allows more women to play a version of the sport and adds another avenue to become fans of the NFL.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

French Open Scheduling Sparks Backlash Over Women’s Time Slots

Coco Gauff has also said the French Open schedule could be improved.

Chiefs, Royals Stadium Plans Hit Political Wall As Both Parties Say No

Both Republicans and Democrats in Missouri oppose public funding for stadiums.
Zion Williamson

Zion Williamson Accused of Rape and Abuse in Lawsuit

The woman says their relationship began when he was at Duke in 2018.

Featured Today

How the Champions League Anthem Took on a Life of Its Own

The composer didn’t know he wrote a timeless hit three decades ago.
May 25, 2025

How Rolex Paved the Way for Luxury’s Love Affair With Tennis

“It’s almost impossible to think about tennis without thinking about Rolex.”
Mar 23, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Alexandra Eala (PHI) reacts after winning a point against Madison Keys (USA)(not pictured) on day six of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium.
May 24, 2025

Alex Eala Is Defying Her Country’s Odds to Make French Open History

The Philippines native has overcome a unique set of financial odds.
May 24, 2025

Indiana Is the Center of the Basketball Universe—Thanks to Both Pro Teams

The Fever and Pacers are thriving at the same time.

MSG Tickets for Potential Pacers-Knicks Game 7 Start at $1,100

The current get-in price for a potential Game 7 is $1,099.
Sha'Carri Richardson
May 29, 2025

Sha’Carri Richardson Enters Track Start-Up Fray With Alexis Ohanian

Richardson headlines a group of “advisor owners” with equity in the league.
Oct 26, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) injures left shoulder whilte attempt to steal second base in the seventh inning against the New York Yankees during game two of the 2024 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium.
May 29, 2025

Yankees-Dodgers Clash Draws TV Spotlight, Sky-High Prices

The teams’ lone regular-season series features three nationally aired games.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

In Episode 7 of Portfolio Players, go inside the boardroom with Avenue Capital CEO and former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry on Giannis’s future, women’s sports, and upstart leagues like TGL and Unrivaled. 
May 29, 2025

Panthers Clinch Stanley Cup Final Appearance, Stir Up Dynasty Talk

The Panthers clinched a third-straight trip to the Stanley Cup Final.
May 29, 2025

NCAA Exploring March Madness Expansion to 76 Teams in 2026

NCAA president Charlie Baker said March Madness discussions are ongoing.
Softball
May 29, 2025

MLB Makes Eight-Figure Investment in New Softball League 

Athletes Unlimited and Major League Baseball announced the deal Thursday morning.
May 25, 2025; MONACO; McLaren's Lando Norris celebrates with a trophy on the podium after winning the Monaco Grand Prix alongside third placed McLaren's Oscar Piastri and McLaren chief executive Zak Brown at Circuit de Monaco.
May 28, 2025

F1’s Monaco GP Draws Third-Largest U.S. Audience Amid Track Criticisms

F1 will race in Monaco until at least 2031.