The NFL regular-season schedule expanding to 18 games seems to be inevitable, not a question of “if” but “when.”
At the 2026 NFL owners meetings in Phoenix, several team owners have expressed support for another game being added to the schedule. But they want to see additional measures taken with that extra game.
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For instance, New England Patriots team owner Robert Kraft would like another bye week added to the schedule, while the preseason gets trimmed from three games to two. He also believes every team should play an international game.
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft supports an 18-game NFL schedule, but with several conditions. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
(Matthew Stockman via Getty Images)
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Indianapolis Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon is in favor of an 18-game schedule, especially if the players want it. She pointed out that the current 17-game slate means some teams get seven home games instead of eight during a season. But Irsay-Gordon also wants the preseason to be reduced.
“Preseason is, as far as the fan product goes, I know the commissioner’s been open that it’s not the best product that we have,” Irsay-Gordon said, via the Indianapolis Star’s Joel Erickson. “I would say, for development of our team, I don’t think we can get rid of it.”
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Irsay-Gordon also acknowledged health considerations for the players with playing 18 games, but didn’t offer any solutions as to what could be done to alleviate such concerns.
Additionally, there is some support for the league to implement an 18-game schedule as soon as the 2027 season, according to Pro Football Talk.
Negotiations with the NFL Players Association can begin toward that with JC Tretter now in place as the union’s executive director. However, one owner acknowledged to NFL reporter Mark Maske that the NFLPA leaders “need some time to get ready for that.”