NFL Continues Discussing Potential 18-Game Schedule

The NFL’s long-discussed move toward an 18-game regular season returned to the spotlight this week during league meetings in Phoenix, where owners and coaches debated the financial benefits and competitive concerns surrounding another expansion of the schedule.

Several owners believe the league is moving closer toward eventually adding an 18th regular-season game while reducing the preseason to two games.

“If we can make it work, I do think that it would be good,” Indianapolis Colts owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon told ESPN. “Preseason is, as far as the fan product goes, the commissioner has openly said that it’s not the best product that we have. It is, I would say, for development of our team. I don’t think we can get rid of it.

The NFL expanded from 16 to 17 regular-season games beginning with the 2021 season after approval under the league’s current collective bargaining agreement. However, the current CBA limits the regular season to a maximum of 17 games through 2031, meaning any additional expansion would require negotiations with the NFL Players Association.

Owners See Revenue Growth in Expanded Schedule

League owners continue pushing for more regular-season inventory as NFL television ratings remain among the strongest in American sports. Additional games could generate billions in added broadcast revenue while creating more opportunities for international games and streaming packages.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft recently acknowledged that owners are interested in eventually moving to an 18-game model tied to increased international growth. Several executives reportedly view the extra game as inevitable once new labor negotiations begin later this decade.

The NFL’s media rights agreements with CBS, Fox, NBC, Amazon, ESPN, and Netflix have continued increasing in value, and league executives believe another week of meaningful games could further boost those partnerships. League officials have also explored expanded international scheduling as part of future growth plans.

Coaches and Players Raise Concerns

While owners largely support the concept financially, coaches and players remain divided over the impact of an 18-game season on player health and roster management. Longer seasons would likely increase injury concerns while placing additional strain on veteran players late in the year.

Some coaches have expressed concerns about maintaining roster depth over an even longer season, especially with physical positions such as offensive line, linebacker, and running back already facing significant injury attrition.

Player safety advocates have also questioned whether adding another regular-season game offsets the league’s efforts to reduce injuries through rule changes and scheduling adjustments.

The NFL Players Association has not publicly endorsed the proposal, though league observers expect discussions to intensify well before the expiration of the current CBA in 2031.

International Expansion Could Play Key Role

League executives continue viewing international growth as a major reason behind schedule expansion. The NFL has steadily increased overseas games in London, Germany, Brazil, and Spain, and owners believe additional regular-season inventory would create more flexibility for international matchups.

An eventual 18-game schedule could also align with the NFL’s broader push toward streaming platforms and global media partnerships as the league continues targeting international audiences.

Betting Impact of an 18-Game NFL Season

An expanded regular season would create major implications for NFL betting markets. Sportsbooks would likely adjust season win totals, player props, and futures betting markets to account for the additional game.

Statistical betting categories such as passing yards, touchdowns, sacks, and receiving records could also see major shifts as players gain another week to accumulate production.

Longer schedules could additionally increase betting volatility late in the season as playoff positioning, injuries, and rest strategies become even more important for oddsmakers and bettors evaluating weekly matchups.