The NFL preseason isn’t for everyone. The casual fan really isn’t interested in watching training camp bodies play in a meaningless game.
Though, it’s still a cash cow. Interest is there. Stadiums sell out. The cost of television rights remain relatively high.
In reality, it makes very little financial sense for the NFL to do away with the preseason altogether.
This hasn’t stopped rumors from circulating that suggest the 2016 NFL preseason might be the end of it all.
Lots of chatter among execs that these might be the last preseason games; that next year it could be all live scrimmages w coaches mic'd up.
— Seth Wickersham (@SethWickersham) August 27, 2016
Outside of the financial implications, there are a lot of reasons for the NFL to end the preseason as we know it.
First off, the product itself stinks. With all due to respect to third and fourth stringers, we aren’t ponying up cash to watch them play. We surely aren’t doing so when it comes to a game that doesn’t count in the standings.
Secondly, preseason injuries continue to spoil it for the players and teams. Heck, just a couple days ago, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo went down to a serious-looking injury — one that’s going to keep him out for the next 6-10 weeks (more on that here).
Should entire seasons and the aspirations of a team be destroyed due to a meaningless preseason game?
Finally, the preseason itself is too long. Most summers see at least two teams have to suit up for five games with the other 30 playing a total of four games. Doesn’t that seem like a little bit of overkill?
If what ESPN’s Seth Wickersham is reporting proves to have a basis, the powers to be within the NFL are at least thinking about changing the make up of the preseason itself.
Whether that leads to an elimination of exhibition games remains to be seen. It could very well be about the suits in New York City feeling out the opinion of fans. It could also be a precursor to shortening the preseason slate.
Though, it does seem highly unlikely that the NFL would do away with the preseason altogether.
Any time a league that’s hellbent on maintaining its status as the sport world’s biggest cash cow faces decisions like this, it usually sides with the almighty dollar.
Don’t expect that to change anytime soon.