Report: NFL could revisit 18-game season, expanded playoffs in CBA talks

The NFL could re-evaluate an expansion of the regular season or an increased number of playoff teams during upcoming negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement, sources told Mark Maske of The Washington Post.

A high-ranking official with one team told Maske that some owners want to expand the regular season from 16 games to 18 games in order to boost revenue, adding it's unclear how much support such a change would garner from players.

The source also said they "suspect the owners will be a little more flexible" during talks regarding commissioner Roger Goodell's disciplinary powers and the league's marijuana policy. Such flexibility could potentially be used to get players' support for more games.

Owners who want to revisit regular-season expansion reportedly believe concessions such as a decreased number of preseason games or an increase in roster sizes could aid in the issue of player safety.

A postseason expansion, according to Maske, could serve as an alternative to a longer regular season and would see the number of qualifying teams increase from 12 to 14, including seven from each conference. Only one team in each conference would receive a first-round bye, meaning the NFL would have six first-round playoff games instead of four.

The league attempted to lengthen the regular season during the last CBA negotiations but ultimately backed down due to health concerns, pledging not to expand it without the approval of the NFL Players Association.

The current CBA expires following the 2020 season, and the NFLPA advised players Tuesday to plan for a work stoppage of at least one year.

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