Personally, the idea of 18 games is nothing more than an owners ploy to get even MORE money out of the fans. Hell, I would not be surprised if this wasn't more of a push by the networks that carry the games.
They are already getting much of that money from fans, as season ticket holders are charged full price for preseason and admission is charged for those games.
Also, any money the owners get also increases the money the players get for the most part...
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