Report: Expanded playoffs more likely than longer regular season in next CBA

The NFL is more likely to expand its playoff field than implement an 18-game regular season in the next collective bargaining agreement, sources told Mark Maske of the Washington Post.

Those familiar with the league's inner workings during ongoing negotiations between the owners and the NFLPA are also convinced that the preseason will be shortened by either one or two games in the near future, Maske added.

The loss in revenue from a shortened preseason would have to result in a revenue-boosting measure for owners to sign on, with an expanded playoff field being the most likely option due to the NFLPA's resistance to an 18-game season. However, it's unclear whether owners might push for a 17-game campaign.

Although the owners reportedly view it as their right to unilaterally shorten the preseason and expand the playoffs, they're appearing to consider those measures within the context of CBA discussions with the NFLPA.

Under the proposed playoff expansion, seven teams per conference would qualify for the postseason rather than six, according to Maske. Only one team per conference would receive a bye instead of two, resulting in six first-round playoff games in total.

The current CBA runs through the 2020 season. A number of owners expressed a desire to have a new agreement in place before the upcoming campaign, but they're less optimistic with the opener just eight days away.