What's Happening?
At the 2026 NFL owners meetings in Phoenix, there is growing support among team owners for expanding the regular-season schedule to 18 games. Notable owners, including Robert Kraft of the New England Patriots and Carlie Irsay-Gordon of the Indianapolis
Colts, have voiced their approval, albeit with specific conditions. Kraft suggests adding an extra bye week and reducing the preseason from three games to two. He also advocates for each team to play an international game. Irsay-Gordon supports the expansion if players are in favor, highlighting the imbalance in the current 17-game schedule where some teams have fewer home games. She also acknowledges the need to address player health concerns but did not propose specific solutions.
Why It's Important?
The potential shift to an 18-game schedule could significantly impact the NFL's structure, affecting players, teams, and fans. For players, the additional game raises concerns about health and safety, necessitating measures to mitigate injury risks. Teams could benefit financially from an extra game, especially if it includes international exposure, enhancing the league's global reach. Fans might enjoy more regular-season action, but the quality of games could be affected if player fatigue becomes an issue. The proposal also reflects broader trends in professional sports towards maximizing revenue and audience engagement.
What's Next?
Negotiations with the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) are expected to begin, with JC Tretter as the union's executive director. The league aims to implement the 18-game schedule as early as the 2027 season. However, the NFLPA will need time to prepare for these discussions, as player welfare and contract adjustments will be central topics. The outcome of these negotiations will determine the feasibility and timing of the schedule change.
