NFL owners have delayed a decision on implementing a 17-game regular season for 2021.
During a teleconference call Wednesday that replaced the usual December gathering of owners in Dallas, they opted to push back any move on the expanded season until early in 2021. The NFL and the players’ union agreed during collective bargaining talks earlier this year to adding one regular-season game to the schedule, but not before next season.
We had a lengthy discussion on this, obviously it’s an important decision for us, Commissioner Roger Goodell said. We did not take any votes with respect to committing to do it. In the collective bargaining agreement, we have that right to do it.
Goodell said a scheduling formula for a 17th game was approved unanimously, but did not immediately provide details.
It obviously comes into play with respect with our future media arrangements that we obviously are contemplating, he added. We expect a decision will be made on that in the next several weeks.
The length of the preseason would be reduced, as well, if a 17th match is added.
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