NFL owners reportedly pushing for 18 game seasons

The NFL is currently discussing a proposed shift to an 18-game regular season but it has not been officially approved. This change would require an agreement with the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), and it is not expected to be implemented before the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) expires after the 2030 season. The current season is 17 games long.

NFL owners, including Robert Kraft of the Patriots, are strongly advocating for 18 game seasons to increase revenue. In the proposal, preseason games would be reduced from three to two and there would be a second bye week for each team.

Seasons would extend deeper into February, with the Super Bowl potentially aligning with Presidents Day weekend. The primary obstacle to the 18-game season is the NFLPA's concern over player health and safety. While the league has implemented rule changes and new helmet technology to mitigate injuries, players and the union remain cautious about the increased physical toll of more regular-season games.

The current 2025 NFL season is operating under the 17-game format, with this season's Super Bowl scheduled for February 8th.