Goodell: 18-game NFL season likely

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ATLANTA, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- An expansion of the NFL season to 18 games seemed likely after a special league meeting Wednesday, Commissioner Roger Goodell said.

Goodell told reporters that proposals for an 18-game "enhanced season" had gained "overwhelming support" among owners and could be instituted as soon as 2012, although no official vote had been taken.

"We want to continue to address a variety of issues. ... All of the questions and discussions focused on how we do it that's fan friendly. Fans want less preseason and more regular season," Goodell said.

The NFL currently plays a 16-game schedule. The commissioner said the owner discussed details of how a longer season could be implemented, including offseason training schedules, the expansion of rosters and other issues.

"We want to do this the right way and make it good for everyone, including the players, fans and the game in general," he said. "From our standpoint, we think we've moved this concept along. There's a tremendous amount of momentum for it and we think it's the right step to take."