NFL Owners Eye 18-Game Season and Global Expansion, Says Robert Kraft
BOSTON, Mass. — The National Football League is on the cusp of a major transformation, with plans to expand the regular season to 18 games and significantly increase its global footprint, according to Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots. Kraft revealed on Boston radio’s “The Sports Hub” that NFL owners are ready to “push like the dickens” to implement sweeping schedule changes that would include every team playing at least one game overseas annually.
For years, the NFL has been inching toward an 18-game regular season, a move that would mark the first expansion since the league moved to a 16-game schedule in 1978. Kraft’s comments suggest the change could come sooner than expected, with the league also planning to reduce preseason games from three to two. “Every team will go to 18 [regular season games] and two [preseason games] and eliminate one of the preseason games,” Kraft said, emphasizing the league’s commitment to both increasing revenue and ensuring long-term labor stability.
This initiative aligns with the NFL’s broader strategy to grow its international presence. Currently, the league hosts a handful of games abroad each year, primarily in London and Mexico City. Kraft’s vision is more ambitious: “Every team every year will play one game overseas,” he said, underscoring the owners’ desire to make international matchups a permanent and integral part of the NFL calendar.
The NFL’s push for global expansion is not just about reaching new fans but also about diversifying revenue streams. The league has seen success with its International Series, which has drawn large crowds and boosted television ratings worldwide. By mandating that every team participate in at least one international game annually, the NFL aims to deepen its global brand and create new commercial opportunities.
These proposed changes come amid ongoing discussions about player health and labor relations. Expanding the regular season raises concerns about increased injury risk and workload for players, but Kraft and other owners appear confident that the benefits will outweigh the challenges. The move could also provide leverage in negotiations with the NFL Players Association, helping to secure labor peace for years to come.
The NFL’s schedule overhaul reflects a broader trend in professional sports toward globalization and maximizing revenue potential. Similar efforts can be seen in leagues like the NBA and MLB, which have also increased their international games and outreach. The NFL’s plans will require coordination with the league office, players, broadcasters, and international partners to ensure successful implementation.
Fans and analysts will be watching closely as the NFL owners prepare to vote on these proposals in the coming months. If approved, the 18-game season and expanded international schedule could debut as early as the 2026 season, reshaping the landscape of professional football.
For more on the NFL’s evolving schedule and global initiatives, visit the NFL Players Association and the USA.gov Sports page. Updates on league policies and labor negotiations are also available through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards.
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