The quantity of contests comprising a complete competitive period is a foundational element defining various sports leagues. For instance, a Major League Baseball campaign traditionally involves 162 opportunities for each team to secure a victory, while a National Football League schedule is significantly shorter, consisting of 17 regular-season matchups. The number is defined to ensure fairness and parity amongst the teams involved.
This structural characteristic profoundly influences team strategy, player endurance, and overall competitive balance. A larger number of games allows for greater statistical normalization, potentially diminishing the impact of random chance. Conversely, a reduced quantity elevates the significance of each individual contest, placing a premium on immediate performance and tactical precision. Historical factors, league size, and broadcast agreements also contribute to the final number of games included in a season. The schedule is set to promote the popularity of the sport, while also ensuring safety of all players involved.