A bigger NFL season could create an audible for the league when it comes to Super Bowl LVIII in New Orleans in 2024.
“As part of the bid process in 2018, we contemplated the possibility of a 17-game schedule as part of a new CBA,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. “We are exploring options with the Saints and the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation for the city to remain the host of the Super Bowl in 2024 or in a future year that would be suitable for both New Orleans and the NFL.”
The extra week — the 17-game season recently approved in the new CBA — would push the championship game into the midst of Mardi Gras. Originally, it would have been Feb 4. Now, with the added game, the Super Bowl is scheduled for Feb. 11 in 2024. Mardi Gras would land two days later, Feb. 13.
New Orleans already is overflowing with crowds during that period, so the Super Bowl would be a difficult proposition if it were to be held at the same time of year.
“The New Orleans Host Committee, led by the New Orleans Saints and Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, has remained in close communication with league officials about the change to a 17-game regular season, as it relates to the city hosting Super Bowl LVIII in 2024,” Saints vice president of communications Greg Bensel said in a statement.
“During the bid process in 2018, it was contemplated and discussed of the possibility of an extended schedule based on a new CBA. The Bid Committee, the New Orleans Saints and NFL worked together to build in contingencies if a potential conflict with Mardi Gras should affect the Super Bowl date.
Mutually agreed-upon terms during the bid process granted assurances that the NFL and Host Committee would explore all options for still hosting the game in 2024, or, agreeing to host the Super Bowl in a future year when the citywide calendar permits.”
The 17-game schedule, per terms of the new CBA, will be installed sometime between 2021-23. The NFL has yet to award the 2025 Super Bowl. The other upcoming host cities are Tampa, Fla. (2020 season), Inglewood, Calif. (2021) and Glendale, Ariz (2022).