NFL leaving open possibility of playing games on Saturdays

The NFL is expected to release its regular season schedule next month, and the plan is to allow for a number of changes to be made in order to assure the best possible chance of completing all 16 weeks. One of the biggest tweaks the league is reportedly considering is the idea of playing more games on Saturdays.

NFL officials have discussed the possibility of playing more games on Saturdays if the college football season is canceled, Andrew Marchand of the New York Post reports. The NFL has had discussions with its broadcasting partners about the idea. If the college football season is canceled, that would create several open TV slots that the NFL could try to take advantage of.

It’s unclear if the NFL would have one Saturday game of the week or hold multiple games on Saturdays, but all scenarios appear to be on the table. As Marchand notes, college programs have more concerns about playing this upcoming season than NFL teams due to unknowns like campuses remaining closed and fans not being able to attend games. While the NFL generates the majority of its revenue from TV contracts, many college programs rely on fans attending games to make most of their money.

If the NFL does move some games to Saturday, that would likely be appealing to its broadcast partners. It could create an opportunity to air more games nationally, which would increase advertising revenue and help offset a decrease in revenue in other areas for the league.

The NFL is preparing for some other radical changes this season, but moving some games to Saturdays is one that would likely be welcomed by fans.