Roger Goodell could remain in charge of the NFL long past 2027 as team owners gear up for critical talks surrounding the league's future.

The owners expect to give the 67-year-old commissioner a new deal in the coming months. His current contract ends in March 2027, and the league wants him to lead the next TV rights and player contract talks.

“NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is expected to receive a new contract in the coming months,” Mark Maske of Front Office Sports reported Monday. “The extension would keep him in charge through negotiations over the NFL’s next media-rights deals and labor agreement.”

Front Office Sports reported that four people familiar with the owners’ thinking expect both sides to finalize the agreement.

"They expect to finalize an extension with him in the coming months to keep him in place to oversee the negotiations for new broadcasting deals and a collective bargaining agreement with players that could include an 18-game season," Front Office Sports reported.

The NFL has not said when it could become official, but owners have meetings in August, October, and December.

The next contract would place Goodell at the center of high-stakes financial negotiations.

NFL’s current television agreements bring in more than $110 billion over 11 years, while the present labor deal runs through the 2030 season. The league and the NFL Players Association could discuss an 18-game schedule, but both sides must agree before making the change.

Goodell has led the NFL since 2006 and signed his last three-year extension in October 2023. Another three-year deal would keep him in the role until age 71 and push back questions about his replacement.

The owners may trust Goodell because of his experience and the NFL’s financial success, but fans look beyond money.

Fans share different views on Roger Goodell’s possible extension

The report drew support, doubt, and anger as people weighed the league’s financial success against years of criticism aimed at its commissioner.

Underdog NFL shared the news on X, where fans offered different views. The NFL has expanded its international schedule and has remained the country’s top sports league during Goodell’s tenure.

“Goodell's leadership has built an empire. Locking him in is the right move to keep the NFL's momentum rolling,” one supporter wrote.

The commissioner has faced criticism over player discipline and major league controversies, but many didn't hesitate to support him.

“Roger Goodell’s tenure has been defined by growth, controversy, and constant change. If owners are ready to extend him, they clearly believe the NFL is still in good hands,” a user wrote.

Goodell became commissioner in 2006, giving him two decades in the job.

“Roger Goodell has mastered the art of staying power,” an X user commented.

The owners have shown no known opposition to another extension, even as some fans demand a change at the top.

“Another extension rewards consistency, not necessarily better leadership for the league,” a fan wrote.

The fan appeared to blame Goodell for focusing on owners’ profits. During his time as commissioner, NFL team values have risen, with the proposed sale of the Seahawks valued 59% above the previous record.

“Yea cuz he keeps them rich smh while he does absolutely nothing to better the game we love. f***** i*****.”

“Why? He is terrible at his job,” another user wrote.

What do you think of Goodell’s potential extension? Is keeping consistency at the top the right move for the NFL, or is it time for fresh leadership? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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Written by

Shreya Mishra

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore