Extension of the NFL season - The impact of an extra game

With the decision to extend the NFL season from 16 to 17 regular games per team starting in 2021, the league has made a pivotal move in its history. This change, which is the first alteration to the length of the regular season since 1978, has sparked controversial discussions among players, coaches, and fans. The extension brings additional revenue for the league but also raises concerns about player workload, injury risks, and the long-term effects on the sport. On this landing page, we examine the impact of the NFL season extension, the challenges it brings, and the changes it means for teams, players, and the league.

The Background of the Extension

Before diving into the consequences of the season extension, it is important to understand the reasons behind this decision. The NFL has long toyed with the idea of increasing the number of regular-season games to generate more revenue and provide fans with more content. With growing pressure from sponsors, TV networks, and international partners, the league finally took the step.

The additional game was introduced as a replacement for a preseason game, reducing the preseason from four to three games. This was a compromise, as many players and coaches recognized the importance of the preseason for preparing for the regular season, but also saw the need to reduce injury risks during these less meaningful games.

Impact on Players

The most obvious impact of the extended season affects the players. One more game means more strain on their bodies, more opportunities for injuries, and a longer season overall. Some of the most common concerns are:

Increased Risk of Injury An additional game increases the likelihood of injuries, as football is already an extremely physical sport. Statistics show that injury rates in the NFL are high, and every extra week on the field increases the risk of concussions, ACL tears, ankle injuries, and other serious injuries. Players like Alvin Kamara (Running Back of the New Orleans Saints) have publicly spoken out against the season extension, expressing concerns about the added physical toll.
Recovery and Regeneration Recovery time between games is already tight, and with an additional game in the regular season, the situation could worsen. Especially for players in key positions like quarterbacks, running backs, and defensive linemen, who face high physical demands, the extension could lead to fatigue and reduced performance as the season progresses.

Contract Negotiations and Salaries The season extension also affects players' contract negotiations. Since their contracts are often based on the number of games, many players are demanding adjustments to their salaries to compensate for the additional risk and longer season. While this may not be an issue for league stars, rookies and players at the lower end of the salary scale could face additional pressure from the extra game, without a significant pay increase in sight.

Advantages for the League and Teams

While the season extension poses some challenges for players, it also offers clear advantages for the league, teams, and fans:

Increased Revenue from TV Contracts and Sponsorships Each additional game means more TV broadcasts and, therefore, higher revenue from the NFL’s billion-dollar TV contracts. Networks like CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN are willing to pay for one more game per week, and sponsors have another platform to showcase their products and services to a million-strong audience. The extra game day will also fuel interest in sports betting platforms.
More Content for Fans For fans, an additional game is another reason to celebrate. More games mean more opportunities to watch their team, and a longer NFL season also means more Fantasy Football weeks and chances to support their favorite players. The NFL remains in the public spotlight longer, which is especially important for the league’s international expansion.

More Exciting Playoff Races An additional game could lead to more exciting and unpredictable playoff races. With an extra week, teams have more chances to qualify for the postseason, and there are more opportunities for surprises and twists. Teams that start the season poorly may use the extra game to secure their place in the playoffs.

Player Opinions and Criticism

Despite the benefits, there are many voices in the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) and among the players who are critical of the season extension. In addition to the already mentioned risks of injuries and fatigue, there have also been debates about whether the league is truly acting in the best interest of the players or more focused on financial gains. Many players have called for the league to take additional steps to ensure their safety, such as stricter rules on helmet-to-helmet collisions or shortening the preseason to two games.

J.J. Watt, former defensive end of the Houston Texans, voiced his concerns on Twitter, stating: "I can’t support the extra game. There are already enough injuries and stress on the players."

Long-Term Effects of the Extension

The extension of the NFL season to 17 games could have further long-term effects:

Potential Expansion to 18 Games? Some analysts speculate that the NFL may expand the season to 18 games in the coming years, as this would generate even more revenue. However, this would be an even more controversial move, as players have already opposed the extension to 17 games. Another expansion could lead to even stronger resistance and potentially influence negotiations over new collective bargaining agreements.
Changes in Season Structure With an additional game and the shortening of the preseason, other aspects of the season structure could also change. Some teams are already calling for better distribution of bye weeks (off weeks) to give players more recovery time. The NFL Draft and training camps could also be adjusted in the future to better prepare players for the longer season.

Conclusion: Extension with Pros and Cons

The extension of the NFL season to 17 games offers both opportunities and challenges. While the league benefits from increased revenue and more global exposure, players face additional physical and mental demands. It remains to be seen whether this change will endure in the long term or if the league will introduce further changes in the coming years.

Players and teams must now adjust their strategies to cope with the demands of the extended season, while fans enjoy more football action and exciting playoff races. With this change, the NFL has moved further toward commercial expansion, but the question remains: Is this also the best for the players?