Setting the Stage for an Expanded Schedule
The NFL is methodically executing its plan for future season growth. During recent owners' meetings in Orlando, the league took another decisive step by amending its rules to allow for a maximum of 10 international games per season, up from the previous limit of eight. This calculated move is seen as a key component of the league's broader strategy to eventually transition to an 18-game regular season.
International Growth and Revenue Goals
Peter O’Reilly, the NFL’s executive vice president of club business and international events, indicated that a path to reaching this 10-game threshold is already being paved for 2027. The league's leadership, including Commissioner Roger Goodell and influential owners, are working toward an eventual goal of a 16-game international slate. The long-term vision is to establish a global presence that functions much like a “33rd” franchise, significantly boosting international television rights and creating new revenue streams to balance rising player salaries and massive infrastructure costs.
As Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, noted in a previous interview:
«Every team will go to 18 games and two exhibition games and eliminate one of the preseason games. Every team every year will play one game overseas. Part of the reason is so we can continue to grow the cap and keep our labor happy.»
Removing Scheduling Protections
In conjunction with the increase in international game capacity, the league also eliminated previous scheduling protections that allowed franchises to exempt two opponents from being considered for international travel. This shift gives the NFL greater flexibility in building its global calendar, mirroring the aggressive expansion seen in domestic scheduling, which has already grown to include more holiday games and mid-week contests.
The Path Ahead
While the league is pushing hard to grow its global footprint and total game count, the realization of an 18-game season remains tied to future labor negotiations. Currently, the NFL Players Association has expressed resistance to expanding the regular-season schedule. Any move to push beyond the newly established 10-game international cap or to extend the regular season will require extensive bargaining with the union to ensure long-term labor peace as the league aims to surpass its ambitious revenue targets.