Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has called on the NBA to reduce the regular season by 10 games, emphasizing that the current 82-game schedule has become overly demanding on players’ health and competitiveness. Speaking in the context of ongoing discussions about the NBA schedule reduction debate, Kerr highlighted the physical strain caused by the fast-paced style and travel requirements of today’s game.
We need to play fewer games,
Kerr stated.
We need to take 10 games off the schedule. The modern game with the pace and the space — I think it would be a more competitive and healthier league if we played fewer games.
Physical Demands Drive Call for Lighter Schedules
Kerr has consistently argued that the intensifying speed and athleticism of modern basketball have made the traditional 82-game season unsustainable. He has pointed out that travel across multiple time zones adds to the exhaustion and injury risk players face. Kerr believes reducing the number of games would not only ease the physical burden but also elevate the quality of play by keeping star athletes consistently available.
Commissioner Silver Highlights Financial and Data Concerns
Despite these appeals, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has resisted making schedule cuts, citing a lack of conclusive evidence that fewer games would lead to fewer injuries. Silver also emphasized the significant financial implications of reducing the number of games, as owners rely heavily on revenue from home contests, local TV contracts, and arena operations. He has instead suggested alternative solutions such as the play-in tournament, in-season tournaments, and experimenting with shorter game durations to manage player workload.
Kerr has communicated his views directly to Silver, including an email sent before the season started. Everyone knows that, Kerr remarked. But it’s a money issue.
Impact of New Award Eligibility Rules on Rest Strategies
The debate over the season length has intensified with the NBA’s introduction of a 65-game minimum for eligibility for major awards like MVP, All-NBA, and Defensive Player of the Year. This measure aims to discourage teams from resting healthy stars during the season, although many coaches and analysts argue it addresses symptoms rather than the underlying causes of player workload management. Prominent players such as San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic are currently navigating these eligibility thresholds, keeping the issue prominent within NBA discussions.
Collective Bargaining Essential for Any Schedule Change
Any reduction in the NBA schedule would require approval through collective bargaining between the league and the National Basketball Players Association. This means owners would need to accept the revenue loss from fewer games, players would have to consider possible impacts on salaries, and broadcast partners must adjust to fewer televised contests. The complex interplay of these stakeholders ensures that a schedule reduction is a challenging negotiation rather than a straightforward decision.
Broader Significance of the Schedule Debate
Steve Kerr’s call to cut 10 games highlights a growing tension between player health and the business demands of the NBA. With the league’s fast pace and expanded travel schedules placing increasing strain on athletes, the push for a reduced regular season spotlights the ongoing struggle to balance competitive integrity with financial interests. Moving forward, how the league, players, owners, and partners navigate this debate will shape the evolution of the NBA season in coming years.
Steve Kerr:
"We need to play fewer games. We need to take 10 games off the schedule. The modern game with the pace and the space I think it would be a more competitive and healthier league if we played fewer games" pic.twitter.com/xfzHjfdtug
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) March 10, 2026
