sports and game - In a significant development regarding the NFL's future scheduling format, NFLPA interim executive director David White has taken a strong stance against the assumption that an 18-game regular season ...
is inevitable. During an exclusive 45-minute interview with The Associated Press, White revealed that no discussions have taken place with the league regarding season expansion, which marks a departure from what many industry insiders have long considered a foregone conclusion.
White, who recently succeeded Lloyd Howell in the role, emphasized that any changes to the season structure would require substantial negotiation and careful consideration of player welfare. The current NFL collective bargaining agreement, which runs through March 2031, would need to be renegotiated to accommodate such a change.
The interim director's comments come at a crucial time for the NFLPA, as the organization works to rebuild confidence and strengthen its relationship with both players and league officials. White's recent meeting with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in New York was described as productive, establishing what both parties agree will be an "open and respectful" line of communication.
White's broader agenda includes addressing immediate player concerns such as field conditions, injury information, and compensation structures. The union's approach under White's leadership appears to be more methodical and player-focused, with an emphasis on behind-the-scenes work rather than public negotiation.
The stance on the 18-game season represents a significant shift in the narrative around NFL schedule expansion. While the league has previously moved from 16 to 17 games in 2021, further expansion would require careful consideration of player safety, compensation, and long-term health implications.
White, who recently succeeded Lloyd Howell in the role, emphasized that any changes to the season structure would require substantial negotiation and careful consideration of player welfare. The current NFL collective bargaining agreement, which runs through March 2031, would need to be renegotiated to accommodate such a change.
The interim director's comments come at a crucial time for the NFLPA, as the organization works to rebuild confidence and strengthen its relationship with both players and league officials. White's recent meeting with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in New York was described as productive, establishing what both parties agree will be an "open and respectful" line of communication.
White's broader agenda includes addressing immediate player concerns such as field conditions, injury information, and compensation structures. The union's approach under White's leadership appears to be more methodical and player-focused, with an emphasis on behind-the-scenes work rather than public negotiation.
The stance on the 18-game season represents a significant shift in the narrative around NFL schedule expansion. While the league has previously moved from 16 to 17 games in 2021, further expansion would require careful consideration of player safety, compensation, and long-term health implications.