In Washington D.C., discussions about the potential expansion of the NFL regular season are on the horizon, but formal negotiations are not expected until at least early 2026. According to reports, the NFL and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) have been in informal talks regarding the possibility of adding an 18th game to the regular season, a move that many fans and commentators believe is eventually inevitable.
This year, Commissioner Roger Goodell indicated that while there is interest in expanding the number of games, it was not a priority during recent league meetings. “Adding an 18th game is not a focus of our discussions by any stretch of the imagination,” he stated. However, some team owners had hoped to implement this change by 2027, suggesting a split sentiment within the league regarding when an 18th game might be added.
Last year, NFLPA Executive Director Lloyd Howell mentioned that the association had participated in informal discussions about the schedule. Specifically, Howell plans to conduct team-by-team meetings with players to identify the union’s bargaining priorities, which could lead to more structured negotiations in March. This timing follows meetings with player representatives, with formal discussions potentially beginning after that.
Since moving from a 16-game to a 17-game season in 2021, the league has provided players with increased revenue and other benefits as part of the agreement. Yet, the step from 17 to 18 games could face resistance, particularly with player safety being a major concern. Many feel that calendar logistics and the well-being of players will be critical issues in any upcoming discussions.
As it stands, moving to an 18-game season might not arrive until 2028 if formal negotiations do not commence until 2026. The NFLPA and the league will need to tackle several important factors to come to any conclusions about the schedule’s future.
