NFL Unveils Ambitious 18-Game Season and Global Expansion Plan

Owners propose major changes to regular season, preseason, and international games starting in 2026.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:52pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an American football game broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of navy, green, and orange, conveying the complexity of the league's ambitious expansion plans.The NFL's bold vision for an expanded 18-game season and global footprint will require carefully navigating player concerns and financial realities.Indianapolis Today

The NFL is considering a bold new vision for the future that would expand the regular season to 18 games, reduce preseason to 2 games, and add 1 international game per week. Team owners, led by Robert Kraft of the New England Patriots, believe these changes would boost revenue and global appeal, though the NFL Players' Association has historically opposed regular season expansion.

Why it matters

This proposed overhaul of the NFL calendar represents a major strategic shift that could transform the league's business model and fan engagement. Increasing the number of regular season games while reducing preseason could provide more revenue opportunities, but also raises concerns about player safety and the quality of the product. The international expansion also signals the league's ambitions to grow its global footprint.

The details

Under the plan, the NFL regular season would expand from 17 to 18 games, with teams also playing 2 preseason games instead of the current 4. Additionally, the league would host 1 international game per week, likely in locations like London, Mexico City, and potentially other global markets. Team owners, including Robert Kraft of the Patriots and Carlie Irsay-Gordon of the Colts, believe these changes would boost revenue and allow for further international growth, though the NFLPA has resisted past efforts to expand the regular season.

  • The NFL is considering implementing these changes starting in the 2026 season.

The players

Robert Kraft

Owner of the New England Patriots and a key proponent of the 18-game season and international expansion plan.

Roger Goodell

NFL Commissioner who has previously hinted at similar concepts to expand the regular season.

Carlie Irsay-Gordon

Owner of the Indianapolis Colts who has expressed concerns about financial uncertainty with the current 17-game schedule.

NFL Players' Association (NFLPA)

The players' union that has historically opposed expanding the regular season, though their stance may be evolving.

Peter O'Reilly

NFL executive vice president who emphasizes the importance of careful planning and market research for the international games.

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What they’re saying

“We must evolve the league to maintain its dominance in the ever-competitive sports landscape.”

— Robert Kraft, Owner, New England Patriots

“The financial uncertainty with 17 games is valid, and the potential solution of an 18-game season could provide much-needed stability.”

— Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Owner, Indianapolis Colts

What’s next

The NFL and NFLPA will need to negotiate the details of the proposed changes, including player compensation, roster sizes, and safety protocols, before any final decisions are made.

The takeaway

The NFL's ambitious plans to expand the regular season and grow its international presence represent a significant strategic shift for the league. While the changes could boost revenue and global appeal, they also raise concerns about player safety and the quality of the product. Careful planning and negotiation with the players' union will be crucial in determining the future of the NFL.