NFL Rumors: Roger Goodell to Ditch Record $110 Billion Deal in 2029 as 18-Game Schedule Welcomed Following Joe Burrow Declaration

The NFL is gearing up for a game-changing shake-up that could redefine how we experience America’s game. With commissioner Roger Goodell rumored to ditch the league’s record $110 billion TV deals after 2029, the pigskin powers-that-be are aiming for a Hail Mary – an 18-game regular season schedule welcomed by rising star Joe Burrow.

This audacious play could usher in a new era of broadcast domination, with streaming giants like Netflix angling for a chunk of that sweet, sweet NFL action. Goodell’s vision is as ambitious as it is strategic – instead of renewing those massive TV contracts, the NFL is positioning itself for a high-stakes game of media rights musical chairs. As Joe Pompliano notes, “The NFL has done an incredible job maximizing revenue by spreading its inventory across several networks and platforms.”

The league has already inked an exclusive Christmas Day deal with Netflix for 2024, raking in a cool $75 million per game. But this is merely the opening salvo in a calculated offensive to maximize revenue and reach unprecedented global audiences, with the NFL boasting a staggering 269 million subscribers worldwide, more than even ESPN’s 72 million in the U.S. and Canada.

And this is where Burrow’s daring proposal comes into play. The Bengals’ star QB is advocating for an 18-game regular season, but with a twist – implementing a double bye week, one of which would align with the Pro Bowl for an “All-Star Break.” Burrow understands the grind, stating to reporters some weeks back, “Adding that extra game, obviously, it’d be great for revenue. But I feel like adding that bye week, if you’re going to have an 18-game schedule, is pretty critical for our bodies.”

But why fix what ain’t broken? Well, the NFL is playing the long game here. As the league’s current TV deals approach their expiration date, Goodell and co. are eyeing an opt-out clause that would allow them to renegotiate fresh terms. And with an expanded 18-game schedule, not to mention a revamped calendar featuring more prime-time games, international showcases, and tentpole events, the NFL would have a veritable smorgasbord of premium inventory to dangle in front of hungry networks and streaming services.

As Shannon Sharpe warns, “The record is about to get so skewed—the receiving record, the passing record, the sack record.” But in the NFL’s eyes, those potential record-shattering figures could translate to record-breaking broadcast deals. And with visionary players like Burrow championing innovative ideas to balance the physical toll with fan engagement, the league could be on the cusp of a revolutionary era. So buckle up, because the NFL is about to take on one hell of a ride.

Roger Goodell’s game plan to score big for players and profits

“I think we’re good at 17 now,” Goodell said during the NFL Draft 2024. “But, listen, we’re looking at how we continue. I’m not a fan of the preseason.” He continued: “The reality is, I’d rather replace a preseason game with a regular-season game any day. That’s just picking quality. If we get to 18 and 2, that’s not an unreasonable thing.”

Burrow chimed into this idea with his vision “If you keep that first bye week—some teams have that first bye Week 5, Week 6—and then you’re going 12, 13 games in a row? That’s not easy. Probably a Thursday night game thrown in there, too. Those two byes are pretty critical.” The QB envisions the second bye aligning with the Pro Bowl, transforming it into an “All-Star Break” reminiscent of the NBA’s mid-season spectacle. This strategic timeout could provide a much-needed respite for players grappling with the grind while simultaneously breathing new life into the oft-stale Pro Bowl, rekindling fan excitement.

As former receiver Chad Johnson notes, “I like that idea—a double bye week if you’re gonna add another game and then have a week where everybody’s literally off.” By embracing this blueprint, the NFL stands to hit a home run – maximizing profits while ensuring its stars can go the distance.