Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said the NBA should trim its regular season from 82 to 72 games, arguing that a lighter schedule would better suit the league’s faster style of play and improve player health.
“We need to play fewer games, we need to take 10 games off the schedule,” Kerr told reporters on March 10, 2026. “With today’s pace and space, I think it would be a more competitive and healthier league if we played fewer games.”
Kerr noted that offenses now rely on constant movement and three-point shooting, placing additional strain on players over a six-month season. The coach’s comments add to a long-running leaguewide debate about injuries, load management and the impact of the current 82-game format.
While some executives and medical staffs have floated similar proposals, reducing the schedule would cut into revenue from ticket sales and national television contracts. Team owners and broadcast partners have generally favored keeping the full slate, making any immediate change unlikely.
Kerr has voiced support for a shorter season in the past, but his latest remarks come as the conversation around player availability and game quality continues throughout the NBA.
Source: Hoops Wire
