Both Goodell and Hunt stressed the importance of maintaining the NFL’s competitive balance as a new deal is negotiated and, ultimately, agreed upon. It’s an issue incredibly important to small-market clubs like the Chiefs.
“There are several issues that need to be addressed just beyond economics in the Collective Bargaining Agreement that are important to you as fans in making sure that the game you want to support and be a part of continues to be a great game, continues to be competitive so that the Kansas City Chiefs have the same economic ability to be competitive against the New York Giants, Chicago Bears or any other large market team,” Goodell said.
Competitive balance was evident in 2010 with two small-market franchises represented in the Super Bowl. For the 15th consecutive season, at least five teams made the playoffs that did not advance the year before.
“There are systems that we have to make sure that we maintain,” said Goodell. “When you come into a season, every fan thinks that their football team has a chance to win the Super Bowl and that’s what I believe the 32 clubs are working towards. There are several issues that need to be addressed (regarding competitive balance) in (negotiating) this Collective Bargaining Agreement.”
