NFLPA Chief Howell Navigates the Murky Waters of an 18-Game Season
Lloyd Howell, the executive director of the NFL Players Association, doesn’t mince words when addressing the sentiment of NFL players regarding a potential 18-game season: they are overwhelmingly against it. According to Howell, the majority of players he has spoken with already feel that the current 17-game season is sufficiently long. He reiterated this stance during an interview at the recent NFL combine, emphasizing that this wasn’t a novel opinion.
However, Howell acknowledges the undeniable power of money in this equation. The expansion of the NFL season remains a persistent expectation, fueled by the league’s recognition of fan demand for more football. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell himself alluded to this during Super Bowl week, stating that the desire for increased football content wouldn’t simply disappear.
The reality is that an 18-game season cannot be implemented without a renegotiation of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the league and the players. Currently, the players receive 48.5% of NFL revenues. The NFL is poised to usher in a new league year and free agent market, marked by another record-breaking salary cap of $279.2 million per team, leading to speculation about the financial implications of an extended season.
Howell cautions against oversimplifying the issue by assuming that more games automatically translate to increased revenue for the players. He emphasizes the need to consider various factors, such as guarantees, injury risks associated with a longer season, and the impact on player benefits. He underscores the importance of ensuring that the players are fully informed and prepared if the prospect of an 18-game season becomes a reality.
The NFL’s persistent push for an 18-game season has been ongoing for years, but discussions remain preliminary at this stage. The last expansion of the regular season, which added a game in 2021, was met with resistance. The 11-year CBA, negotiated in 2020 under the leadership of Howell’s predecessor, DeMaurice Smith, was narrowly approved by the players with a 1019-959 vote. Many felt that the NFLPA didn’t secure sufficient concessions in exchange for agreeing to the 17-game season.
Howell, who assumed his role in June 2023, acknowledges the lingering sentiments from the previous negotiation. He believes that early discussions are beneficial to avoid surprises. No formal negotiations or conversations have taken place, but players are now aware of the possibility, eliminating the element of surprise.
Goodell has also suggested reducing the number of preseason games while adding a regular season game, a recurring theme for the commissioner. Howell notes that Goodell’s public statements often capture attention. He recounted being questioned about the topic during Super Bowl week and reiterating that the players he had spoken to were against playing 18 games.
The CBA is set to expire after the 2030 season but can be modified at any point. The NFL’s decisions regarding media rights deals, including those with Fox, CBS, and Disney, are expected to significantly influence the CBA negotiations with the players. These deals are reportedly worth $110 billion over 11 years, extending through 2033.
Howell stresses the business aspect of the situation, acknowledging that television revenue is a major contributor to the league’s financial success. He suggests that the upcoming decisions regarding TV rights could serve as a catalyst for renegotiating the length of the season. However, he reiterates that it is currently speculation.
Despite the challenges, Howell appears well-equipped to lead the NFLPA, alongside union president J.C. Tretter. While a degree of tension between the league and the players union is inherent, the current environment differs significantly from when Smith took office in 2009, amidst a labor war and looming lockout.
Smith, known for his combative approach, may have been suitable for the union at that time. Howell, with his extensive experience at Booz Allen Hamilton, is perceived as a consensus-builder. Agents have praised the collegial atmosphere during their seminar in Indianapolis, highlighting Howell’s emphasis on their input and influence.
In his first year-and-a-half, Howell has met with players from every NFL team and held individual sessions with nearly every NFL owner to gain a comprehensive understanding of the landscape and dynamics. He is approaching the next labor deal without drawing firm lines. The NFL’s revenues exceed $20 billion annually, and the league is focused on expanding its global presence and growing its media rights packages.
Howell acknowledges the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with the workforce. He believes that discussions of lockouts or strikes should be avoided, as they ultimately harm everyone involved. He notes the success of baseball and the WNBA, attributing it to thriving sports in general.
Howell’s focus is on developing a plan that reflects the priorities of the players. This may include a modified offseason, an additional bye week, more guaranteed contracts, lifetime benefits, and larger rosters. While official negotiations are not underway, Howell is committed to ensuring that the players are prepared for any opportunities that may arise, potentially including an 18-game season. He emphasizes the importance of being ready for any business developments.
Ultimately, the potential for an 18-game season remains a complex issue, with significant implications for players, owners, and the future of the NFL. Howell’s leadership will be crucial in navigating these challenges and ensuring that the players’ interests are protected.
