The NFL’s team owners are set to convene this Sunday for their annual spring meeting, and the future of the league is firmly on the agenda. Beyond potential rule changes, a significant proposal is gaining traction: a sweeping overhaul of the NFL season, including a move to 18 regular-season games.
According to reports, the league intends to seek authorization from owners to begin negotiations with the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) regarding this potential expansion. The current regular season consists of 17 games, and adding another would represent a substantial shift in the league’s structure.
The proposed changes don’t stop at the number of games. To mitigate concerns about player fatigue and the overall length of the season, the NFL is also considering eliminating one of the three current preseason games, often featuring primarily reserve players. The season itself could be extended to 20 weeks, adding a second bye week for each team.
The NFLPA, however, has already signaled resistance to the idea of an expanded season. Concerns about player health and safety are paramount, and the union has stated it has “no appetite” for an 18th regular-season game, according to recent statements. The election of JC Tretter as the full-time Executive Director of the NFLPA on March 24, 2026, is expected to solidify the union’s position as negotiations loom.
Tretter, a former NFL offensive lineman, is tasked with leading the NFLPA through these critical discussions. The league hopes a settled NFLPA leadership will enable discussions about expanding the regular season and international games, and also begin preliminary discussions towards a new collective bargaining agreement. Currently, the CBA runs through the 2030 season.
Financially, an 18-game season would be a boon for the NFL. League Commissioner Roger Goodell reportedly envisions a future where the NFL generates around $30 billion in revenue annually, a significant increase from the current $23 billion. However, achieving that goal hinges on reaching an agreement with the players.
Adding another layer to the potential changes is a proposal to permanently shift the date of the Super Bowl. Currently held on the first Sunday in February, the league is considering moving the championship game to the second Sunday of the month. This adjustment would coincide with President’s Day in the United States, a federal holiday, and potentially capitalize on the existing trend of millions of Americans taking a day off following the Super Bowl.
The Super Bowl 2029 is already slated to be held in Las Vegas. The league’s consideration of the 18-game season for the 2027-28 season has led to a pause in finalizing plans for Super Bowl 2028 in Atlanta, as securing hotel rooms and convention center space requires significant advance planning.
The proposed changes are complex and will require careful negotiation between the league and the players. The NFLPA has emphasized that any decision regarding an expanded season must prioritize player health and safety. The union also wants to establish a more uniform policy on how teams handle international travel.
The owners’ meeting this weekend will be a crucial step in determining the future of the NFL. While the league appears eager to move forward with these changes, the NFLPA’s stance suggests a potentially contentious negotiation process lies ahead. The outcome will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the league’s financial landscape and the well-being of its players.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that many players already do not play in every game due to injury. The league believes this could be leveraged to present a “fair deal” to the NFLPA, with exemptions for specialists like kickers, punters, and long snappers, as well as quarterbacks, who teams are unlikely to rest during crucial late-season games.
The next key checkpoint will be the outcome of the NFL owners’ meeting this Sunday, where they will decide whether to authorize negotiations with the NFLPA. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching to see how this pivotal discussion unfolds and what it means for the future of professional football.
What are your thoughts on a potential 18-game NFL season? Share your opinions in the comments below.
