The NFL’s long-discussed shift to an 18-game regular season received a major endorsement in January 2026 from New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who made clear during a radio appearance on Boston’s 98.5 The Sports Hub that the change is no longer a question of “if” but “when.” In the widely circulated comments, Kraft described a future schedule featuring 18 regular-season games per team, a reduction to just two preseason games, and a requirement for every NFL franchise to play at least one international game annually.
This vision builds on years of incremental expansion and aligns closely with Commissioner Roger Goodell’s stated goals of growing revenue, expanding the salary cap, and accelerating the league’s global footprint amid near-saturation in U.S. television markets.
Robert Kraft’s Bold Comments on NFL Schedule Expansion
Appearing on the “Zolak & Bertrand” show, Kraft framed the proposed changes as critical for financial sustainability and player compensation growth. He emphasized that more regular-season games—coupled with fewer low-revenue preseason contests—would help “continue to grow the cap and keep our labor happy.” The comments, shared via social media clips including an X post from @mysportsupdate, quickly sparked debate among fans, analysts, and players.
Kraft’s confidence echoes earlier statements from Goodell, who has repeatedly tied an 18-game schedule to reaching 16 international games per season (enough for one per team). Recent league moves—including confirmed games in Australia (2026), ongoing commitments in Rio de Janeiro, and plans for more in Asia—support this trajectory.
Key Elements of the Proposed NFL 18-Game Schedule
Under the emerging model:
- Regular season: Expands from 17 to 18 games, adding one high-value matchup per team.
- Preseason: Drops from three to two games, reducing meaningless exhibitions while preserving roster evaluation opportunities.
- International requirement: Every team plays at least one regular-season game overseas annually, potentially scaling to 16 total international contests within the next few years.
- Timeline: While no immediate change is set for 2026 (the current season remains 17 games), discussions could intensify in CBA negotiations starting later in 2026 or beyond, with 2027 or later as the earliest realistic implementation window.
The league already dominates U.S. viewership, frequently occupying most of the top-rated TV programs. International expansion represents the clearest path to new broadcast deals, sponsorships, and ticket revenue.
Player Safety Concerns and Fan Reactions
The biggest obstacles remain player health and NFLPA approval. Extra games increase physical demands, and research consistently shows higher injury risks without proportional rest (e.g., added bye weeks or recovery protocols). The players’ union has historically resisted expansion without major concessions like enhanced protections, adjusted compensation, or dual byes.
Fan sentiment is divided. Many welcome more meaningful games and global exposure, while others criticize the added travel burdens, jet lag issues for international matchups, and perceived focus on profits over player welfare and competitive balance. Social media responses to Kraft’s remarks reflect this split, with excitement for worldwide growth tempered by calls for fairness.
What an 18-Game NFL Season Would Mean Long-Term
If approved, the changes would fundamentally reshape the NFL calendar:
- More high-stakes regular-season action for fans.
- Greater emphasis on international markets (Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Australia).
- Potential for neutral-site or “home” games abroad, boosting league revenue.
- Higher salary caps to support rising player contracts—but only if the NFLPA secures acceptable terms.
For now, Robert Kraft’s January 2026 comments stand as the strongest public signal from an influential owner that NFL schedule expansion to 18 games is actively advancing. With ongoing international growth and looming labor discussions, this could become one of the defining storylines for the league heading into the late 2020s.
Keep an eye on offseason developments, CBA talks, and injury trend reports—the road to an 18-game NFL season appears clearer than ever.