Goodell's NFL Updates: Ref Talks, DOJ Probe, 18-Game Season

0:00On April 24th, NFL Commissioner Rodger Godell dropped some real talk in his ESPN interview Thursday, right before the 2026 draft in. Pittsburgh. He hit on referee contract talks, adjusts his department probe into media deals, and pushes for an 18-game season plus more games overseas. Talks with the Refs Union are heating up as their deal expires, May 31st. Godell says recent chats have been productive, stressing better training and performance over just seniority for playoff gigs. He made it clear the league plans to play with top officials on the field, no matter what. The DOJ jumped in this month, eyeing if NFL media rights sales break anti-trust rules or jack up fan prices. It started with Senator Mike Lee's push to review old exemptions. Godell fired back, boasting over 87% of games hit free TV, keeping football the most accessible pro sport out there. Godellers want that 18-game regular season, but it needs player union buy-in. Godell framed it as overall season tweaks, like cutting preseason games again.

1:04He's also hyping nine international games in 2026, kicking off with Rams versus 49ers in Melbourne on September 11th. Flag football is blowing up too, with pro leagues for men and women eyeing the 2028 Olympics. Godell sees it as key to going global, saying every step draws bigger crowds worldwide. The league's locked in on growth from reps to borders. I'm Corey with the story, and you've been listening to NFL News Today, AI-powered football coverage.