Several NFL owners are continuing to champion the move toward a potential 18-game regular season, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Reporting from the league meetings in Arizona, Rapoport noted that the push for an expanded schedule remains a significant topic of discussion among the league's power brokers during "The Insiders" broadcast.
The push for an 18-game slate comes as the league continues to look for ways to increase revenue and inventory for broadcast partners. The NFL previously expanded the regular season from 16 to 17 games ahead of the 2021 season, a move that also resulted in the reduction of the preseason to three games. It is widely expected that a move to 18 games would likely involve a further reduction of the preseason schedule to just two games to balance the player workload.
While several owners are reportedly championing the change, any official modification to the schedule would necessitate a negotiation with the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). The health and safety of players remains a primary concern in these discussions, as adding another week of full-contact football would significantly impact physical recovery and career longevity. The current Collective Bargaining Agreement, which runs through 2030, currently limits the regular season to 17 games.
No official vote has been scheduled yet, but the continued advocacy from influential owners suggests that the proposal will remain a focal point of future league agendas. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has previously discussed the potential for an 18-game season as a logical progression for the league's global growth and commercial interests.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Sources & Original Reporting