The NFL’s annual meeting in Palm Beach, Florida, covered a wide range of topics, from media rights to rule changes. However, one issue that continues to linger in the background is the potential shift to an 18-game regular season. While not the primary focus of this year’s discussions, team owners and Commissioner Roger Goodell acknowledged that expansion is on the horizon.
Momentum Building for 18 Games
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was candid about the possibility of an 18-game season, calling it part of the league’s future.
“Certainly it’s in the future,” Jones stated. “I know the potential. But things take time.”
Goodell took a more cautious approach but admitted that the league is actively evaluating the schedule structure and its long-term implications.
The move from the current 17-game format would be driven largely by financial incentives. More games mean more revenue from TV deals, sponsorships, and ticket sales. The NFL’s media rights contracts, which are set to expire in 2029, provide a perfect opportunity for owners to renegotiate deals with a longer season in mind.
Player Resistance and Safety Concerns
Despite growing interest from ownership, the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) remains opposed to the idea, citing concerns over player health and safety. Union executive director Lloyd Howell stated at February’s Super Bowl LIX that “when I have talked to players over the last two seasons, no one wants to play an 18th game.”
The primary concern for players is the added physical toll of another regular-season game. Football is an intensely demanding sport, and adding more wear and tear on athletes without significant safeguards could lead to increased injuries. Goodell acknowledged these concerns, emphasizing that any change would have to prioritize player well-being.
“We’ll continue to analyze it, we’ll continue to discuss it, obviously, with the players,” he said. “A lot of these things affect whether you would go to 18, with all the health and safety issues.”
Media Expansion and Global Growth
The league’s financial outlook remains a major driving force behind an expanded schedule. The NFL recently confirmed plans to add a third Christmas Day game in 2025, following record-breaking viewership numbers from last year’s doubleheader. Netflix and Amazon have secured rights to stream these games, demonstrating the league’s push into digital platforms.
With international expansion also on the league’s agenda, an extended season could mean more opportunities for games abroad. More games would allow for a greater balance between domestic and international matchups, fueling the NFL’s ambition to become a truly global league.
What’s Next?
For now, the 18-game season remains a topic of discussion rather than a set plan. However, with growing financial incentives and a looming media rights renewal, the pressure to expand is increasing. The main hurdle will be reaching an agreement with the NFLPA, which will likely demand concessions, such as higher salaries, improved healthcare benefits, or additional bye weeks.
Whether the expansion happens in the next few years or closer to the 2029 media rights renegotiations, one thing is clear: the NFL’s march toward an 18-game season is not a matter of if—but when.
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