At the 2026 NFL owners meetings in Phoenix, several team owners expressed support for another game being added to the schedule. But they want additional steps to be taken with that additional game.
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For example, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft would like to add another bye week to the schedule while the preseason is reduced from three games to two. He also believes that all teams should play an international match.
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Indianapolis Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon favors an 18-game schedule, especially if the players want it. He noted that the current 17-game schedule means some teams will have seven home games instead of eight during a season. But Irsay-Gordon also wants the preseason to be shortened.
“The preseason is, as far as the product for the fans, I know the commissioner has been clear that it’s not the best product that we have,” Irsay-Gordon said, via Joel Erickson of the Indianapolis Star. “I would say, for the development of our team, I don’t think we can get rid of that.”
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Irsay-Gordon also acknowledged the players’ health considerations in playing 18 games, but did not offer any solutions as to what could be done to alleviate those concerns.
Additionally, there is some support for the league to implement an 18-game schedule as early as the 2027 season, according to Pro Football Talk.
Negotiations with the NFL Players Association can begin with JC Tretter now serving as the union’s executive director. However, one owner acknowledged to NFL reporter Mark Maske that NFLPA leaders “need some time to prepare for that.”