The Reported NFL Schedule Change is Purely a Cash Grab and Nothing Else
By Jerry Trotta
The NFL made waves on Wednesday when it was reported that the newest Collective Bargaining Agreement could see drastic changes instilled as soon as the start of next season.
ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported the owners are pushing for an expanded playoff field of seven teams from each conference, while the regular season would increase to 17 games.
This news did not sit well with fans, and football aficionados will be even more incensed when they come to terms with the fact that this new CBA boils down to nothing more than a chance to make more money.
NFL playoff structure is about to be changed. Under the current CBA proposal, seven teams from each conference will make the playoffs, with only bye per conference, sources tell ESPN. It would go into effect this upcoming season. More coming on https://t.co/rDZaVFhcDQ.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 19, 2020
Why else would owners dare tweak something that was already perfect and bringing in a ton of revenue? Folks, the NFL is still the most profitable sports league in the world. Not the country. The world!
The league will now have an extra week of regular season football (or eight total games) on their hands and two extra playoff tilts. Think about the money that will produce.
Roundup of what we know in the current CBA proposal, via @AdamSchefter:
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) February 20, 2020
*7 playoff teams per conf. instead of 6
*1 playoff bye per conf. instead of 2
*17 regular season games instead of 16
*3 preseason games instead of 4
17 games will not take effect until 2021 at the earliest.
In retrospect, these proposals are staggeringly similar to the MLB's proposed format changes. That's exactly what makes the NFL's proposition a sellout move: their brand doesn't need to be rescued. The MLB has a niche audience to combat, whereas the NFL attracts fans of all ages.
This is a cash grab by the NFL, and though we aren't surprised the league is prioritizing money, we really couldn't be more disappointed.