The league just inked $113 billion in new TV contracts.
Every NFL team will play a 17-game schedule starting with the upcoming 2021 season—marking the first expansion of the league’s season since 1978, the league confirmed Tuesday, despite some players vocally opposing having to play another game. “This is a monumental moment in NFL history,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “The recently completed media agreements provide the foundation for us to enhance the quality of the NFL experience for our fans. And one of the benefits of each team playing 17 regular-season games is the ability for us to continue to grow our game around the world.” Several players spoke out against the idea of having to play a 17th game—another chance for players to risk injury. Star New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara tweeted Sunday, “S—- dumb… as hell,” while others, like Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay and Green Bay Packers safety Adrian Amos were also not happy with the schedule change.
