NFL Owners Push for 18-Game Season, But Players and Coaches Remain Skeptical

Expanding the regular season would generate more revenue, but could also lead to more injuries and load management, according to league insiders.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 5:07pm

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NFL owners are pushing to add an 18th game to the regular-season schedule, but players and coaches are wary of the potential consequences. While owners see it as a way to generate more revenue, coaches warn it could "water down the product" by leading to more load management and tanking. The NFL Players Association also remains opposed to the idea, with new executive director JC Tretter saying the union will defend players' health and safety. An NFL scout suggests the league would need to expand rosters to handle the increased workload, while an agent says most players couldn't make it through 17 games, let alone 18.

Why it matters

The push for an 18-game season highlights the ongoing tension between the NFL's desire to maximize profits and the players' concerns about the physical toll of the game. Expanding the schedule could generate more revenue, but it could also lead to more injuries, load management, and a dilution of the product, according to those close to the league.

The details

NFL owners, including the Cowboys' Jerry Jones, have been vocal proponents of adding an 18th regular-season game, arguing it would give fans more of what they want - more football. However, coaches and former players warn that it could lead to more players taking games off to manage their workload, "watering down the product." The league has already expanded the postseason, added international games, and increased the number of games played on non-traditional days, putting more strain on players' bodies. An NFL scout suggests the league would need to expand rosters to handle the increased workload, while an agent says most players couldn't make it through 17 games, let alone 18.

  • The NFL transitioned to 17 regular-season games and 3 preseason games in 2021.
  • The current collective bargaining agreement between the league and players runs through 2030, but could be reopened to negotiate an 18th game.

The players

Clark Hunt

Kansas City Chiefs owner who said growing the number of international games would be facilitated by having 18 regular-season games.

Jerry Jones

Dallas Cowboys owner who said expanding to 18 games is just a matter of giving fans what they want - more football.

JC Tretter

New NFLPA executive director who said the union will defend players' health and safety and that the league cannot expand past 17 games without negotiation.

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What’s next

The NFL and NFLPA will likely need to renegotiate the current collective bargaining agreement, which runs through 2030, in order to add an 18th regular-season game. The players have shown no appetite for such a move so far, citing concerns over player health and safety.

The takeaway

The push for an 18-game NFL regular season highlights the ongoing tension between the league's desire to maximize profits and the players' concerns about the physical toll of the game. While owners see it as a way to generate more revenue, players and coaches warn it could lead to more injuries, load management, and a dilution of the product. The NFLPA remains firmly opposed to expanding the schedule, and the league may have to pay a heavy price to get the players on board.