NFL Owners Reportedly Discuss 18-Game Regular Season Expansion

The NFL is moving towards potentially expanding its regular season from 17 to 18 games, with discussions set to take place at the upcoming league ownership meetings in Florida. Commissioner Roger Goodell has championed this change as a 'logical step' to enhance revenue and logistics, particularly with games played internationally. However, NFL Players Association Executive Director Lloyd Howell Jr. has expressed strong opposition, citing safety concerns and questioning the validity of the league's safety data. Howell noted that many players feel the current 17-game schedule is already too demanding, contributing to injuries. While the NFLPA's stance has been critical, Howell previously acknowledged that an 18-game season could be appealing under certain circumstances. As negotiations continue, the outcome remains uncertain, with potential implications for player health and team strategies.