When Did the NFL Change to a 17-Game Season?

The NFL’s regular season has been 16 games long since 1978. But that could soon change, as the league is reportedly considering expanding to a 17-game season. Here’s everything you need to know about the potential change.

1993 Season

In 1993, the NFL changed from a 16-game season to a 17-game season. The regular season was expanded from four weeks to five, and each team was given two bye weeks. The playoffs were also expanded, from 10 teams to 12. The change was made in order to generate more revenue.

18-game season proposed

In 1993, the NFL proposed switching to an 18-game season. The proposal was to add two additional regular-season games and reduce the number of preseason games from six to four. The players’ union (NFLPA) balked at the idea, and the idea never came to fruition.

The NFLPA was concerned about the wear and tear on players’ bodies, and they also didn’t want to see a decrease in player salaries. In the end, the NFL decided not to pursue the idea any further, and the regular season remains at 16 games.

Players vote against 18-game season

In 1993, the NFLPA voted on whether to lengthen the season from 16 games to 18. A proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement would have given players an extra $700 million, as well as lengthened the wavier wire and increased playoff teams from 10 to 12. However, the proposal was voted down by the players, with only 22% in favor of it. The main reason for this was the fear of increased injuries with two more games. The players were also concerned about how an extra two games would affect their salaries, as they would be paid per game.

2020 Season

The 2020 NFL season is the 101st season of the National Football League (NFL). The regular season began on September 10, 2020, and is scheduled to end on January 3, 2021. This season is notable for a number of reasons: it is the first season with a 17-game regular season schedule, as opposed to the traditional 16-game schedule; and, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the season has been heavily impacted and will likely see a number of changes and adjustments made to accommodate the situation.

COVID-19 pandemic

The NFL is moving to a 17-game regular season in 2021 as part of a new broadcast rights deal with US media companies, commissioner Roger Goodell has announced.

The pandemic forced the league to reduce the number of games from 16 to 14 this season, but it is now clear that the league will return to its full schedule next year.

“Our goal was always to play a full season and we are pleased that the schedule allows us to do that,” Goodell said in a statement.

The increased number of games will mean an extra bye week for each team, which will be used to “manage player rest and recovery”, according to the NFL.

It is not yet clear how the league will accommodate the extra games, but it is likely that each team will play one additional game against a divisional opponent.

NFLPA approves 17-game season

The NFL Players Association has approved a new collective bargaining agreement that will add a 17th regular-season game to the schedule starting in 2021, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.

The NFLPA’s executive committee voted unanimously Monday to recommend the new CBA to the full membership, which needs a simple majority vote to ratify it. If approved, the new CBA would extend through the 2030 season.

The expanded season would add one more game for each team and create two additional primetime slots on TV each week. The NFL is also considering adding a second bye week for each team.

2021 Season

The National Football League (NFL) is changing to a 17-game regular season in 2021. The NFL has been at 16 games since 1978. This is a huge change for the NFL. Let’s take a look at why they are doing this and how it will affect the 2021 season.

NFLPA approves 17-game season

In a unanimous vote, the NFL Players Association has approved a new collective bargaining agreement that will add a 17th game to the regular season. The NFLPA’s executive committee and player reps voted to approve the new CBA by a margin of 23-0, sources told ESPN.

The new CBA will now go to the full membership of the NFLPA for a vote. If approved, it would then go to the 32 owners for ratification. The league’s focus now turns to finalizing television contracts and schedules for the 2021 season.

The new CBA includes several key changes for players, including an increase in minimum salaries, an increase in revenue sharing (from 47% to 48.5%), and extended medical benefits for retired players. The league has also agreed to implement stricter safety protocols around concussions and player rest during the season.

Future Seasons

The NFL made the decision to switch to a 17-game regular season in 2021. The change will add one additional game to each team’s schedule. In total, 256 regular season games will be played. This move comes after years of speculation and debate.

Possibility of 18-game season

The NFL is considering expanding the regular season to 18 games, according to multiple reports.

The league has been discussing the idea for months, and a vote could come as early as next week at the NFL’s virtual spring meeting, sources told ESPN’s Dan Graziano and Adam Schefter.

The league is also considering reducing the preseason to three games, sources said. The NFL expanded the regular season from 16 to 17 games in 2021.

If approved, the changes would not take effect until the 2022 season at the earliest. The league has not made any decisions yet and is still discussing the matter, sources said.

The expanded season would create additional revenue for the league and teams, but it would also be a gamble because of the increased risk of injuries. Players have been resistant to any expansion of the regular season because of health concerns.