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On the eve of Super Bowl LX, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell took advantage of his annual press conference to provide an update on several major issues affecting the future of the league.
Among the topics discussed were the possible expansion of the regular season to 18 games, ongoing issues related to diversity in recruitment, and the accelerated growth of international games.
No decision made on an 18-game schedule
Roger Goodell sought to temper expectations regarding the addition of an 18th game to the regular season. According to him, no formal discussions have yet taken place with the players' union, and the idea of further extending the season is by no means inevitable.
The NFL had already added a 17th game in 2021, a decision that sparked much debate. Goodell reiterated that any potential changes would first have to address several major concerns, including player safety, the potential addition of a second week off, and adjustments to roster sizes.
He emphasized that the league is not taking anything for granted and wants to conduct these discussions collaboratively with player representatives, without rushing.
NFL called upon to review its hiring practices
The commissioner also acknowledged that the league needs to reevaluate its approach to hiring minorities after an offseason marked by a lack of diversity among new head coaches.
Of the ten vacant positions, only one was filled by a minority coach, and no Black candidates were hired. As a result, the NFL will have only three Black head coaches next season.
Roger Goodell pointed out that, despite some progress over the years, the process remains flawed. Since the Rooney Rule was introduced in 2003, this is only the fifth time that no Black head coach has been hired during a single offseason, a finding he describes as troubling.
International expansion: a strategic priority
Internationally, the NFL is resolutely pursuing its globalization strategy. The league will play its first regular-season game in France, at the Stade de France, with the New Orleans Saints expected in Paris. It will also make a return to Mexico, in addition to games scheduled in Madrid, London, Munich, Rio de Janeiro, and Melbourne.
A total of nine international games will be played next season. Roger Goodell has indicated that the league is eventually aiming for 16 international games per year, allowing each team to play one game away.
With the addition of France and Australia, NFL games will have been played in nine countries outside the United States, a significant step in the league's long-term vision.
This content was created with the help of AI.
