NFL Considers Expanding Regular Season to 18 Games

CINCINNATI, Ohio (WKRC) — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has hinted at the possibility of extending the regular season to 18 games, a move that would eliminate one preseason game. Goodell told Bloomberg that the league aims to stay within a 20-game framework, balancing regular and preseason matchups. “We went to 16 and four, and now 17 and three. So 18 and two is a logical step,” he said.

The NFL transitioned from a 16-game to a 17-game regular season in 2021, following the signing of the collective bargaining agreement in 2020. Goodell has long advocated for an 18-game season, and his latest comments suggest the league is seriously considering the expansion. An additional game per team would create 16 more matchups, raising questions about broadcasting rights and scheduling logistics.

Mike Florio, founder of ProFootballTalk, noted that an 18-game season could further the NFL’s international growth. “It’s inevitable that the NFL will sell a Sunday morning package of international games. They could easily do it with a 17-game season,” Florio said. “They’ll absolutely do it with 18.” The league has already expanded its global footprint, with recent games in Brazil, Mexico, the U.K., and Germany. Next season, the Miami Dolphins are set to play in Spain, and the Cincinnati Bengals could follow suit in 2025.

Any expansion to 18 games would require approval from the NFL Players Association. Goodell emphasized that the 17-game season has not led to increased injuries, attributing this to improved training and rule changes. However, players and their union may push for additional safeguards, such as an extra bye week, to mitigate the physical toll of a longer season.

The NFL played 16-game seasons for 43 years before expanding to 17 games in 2021. If the league moves to 18 games, it would mark the quickest schedule change since 1947, when the season increased from 11 to 12 games after just one year. Discussions about the expansion are expected to intensify as the current collective bargaining agreement approaches its expiration in 2030.