The NFL and NFL Players Association are on track to finalize a new collective bargaining agreement that includes a 17-game regular season by early 2020, reports Mark Maske of The Washington Post.
The two sides have made meaningful progress toward a new labor agreement, which would prevent a work stoppage in 2021, according to sources familiar with the negotiations. The current CBA runs through the 2020 season.
The NFLPA has publicly resisted a longer schedule, citing safety concerns for players. But owners are reportedly prepared to make their fair share of concessions.
A 17-game regular season might include one neutral-site game for every team each year, potentially fueling the league's international series. The lengthier slate would also reportedly result in a shorter preseason and could pave the way for an expansion of the playoff field from 12 teams to 14 teams.