NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has set his sights on transforming the league’s schedule in the coming years. One of his most ambitious goals is to expand to 18 regular-season games. This change, however, is closely tied to his larger plan for international growth. Goodell envisions 16 international games per season, allowing each of the 32 NFL teams to play one game abroad annually. Expanding the regular season would help create more opportunities for these global matchups.
In a statement at Liberty Media’s investor day, Goodell explained, “We’re looking at a change from the 17-and-3 format to maybe 18 regular season games and two preseason games.” This shift would affect domestic play and help increase the league’s international presence. With a longer season, the NFL would have more inventory to schedule games outside the U.S., aligning with the league’s push to capture a global audience.
Currently, the NFL holds a limited number of international games, with five games played in 2023—the most ever in a single season. Goodell aims to host 16 international games per year within the next five years, targeting cities in Europe, South America, and potentially Australia. As part of this expansion, he hopes to work with the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) to align the schedule changes with player safety concerns.
Goodell timed this transformation strategically. The NFL’s TV deals expire in 2029, offering a perfect opportunity to renegotiate contracts alongside a potential shift to 18 regular-season games. However, any changes to the schedule would need the NFLPA’s approval, especially considering that the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) runs through 2030.
Roger Goodell Eyes 18-Game Season And International Expansion Amid Challenges
After years of discussion, the timeline for implementing the 18-game proposal is now clearer. Goodell’s five-year target puts the change at around 2029, just as the NFL is looking to renegotiate its TV contracts. With 17 games now in place, the league has seen the first increase in its regular-season schedule since 1978. The next step would be to expand further, potentially reducing preseason games in the process.
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The league’s international push is integral to this expansion. Roger Goodell plans to increase the number of international games to 16, with cities like London, Madrid, and even Brazil hosting matches. The NFL has conducted surveys in cities such as Abu Dhabi and Paris, suggesting its reach will extend further. By 2026, Australia could even become a venue for NFL games, making the global schedule much more robust.
However, this ambitious plan also comes with challenges. The NFLPA will need to be part of the conversation. With concerns over player safety and workload, any shift to an 18-game season would need careful consideration. The NFLPA could negotiate for added protections, such as extra bye weeks, to offset the increased number of games. The next few years will determine if this major shift can occur while maintaining player welfare.
