NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has expressed that expanding the regular season to 18 games is a “logical step” for the league. However, he emphasized that any such change would only occur with the approval of the players. Currently, the NFL schedule includes 17 games for each of the 32 teams, along with one bye week, spanning from September to January. The top 14 teams then advance to the postseason.
Discussions about extending the regular season have been ongoing for some time. Speaking to Bloomberg, Goodell highlighted the potential for this expansion, saying, “If we continue to focus on the safety, I think 18 is a potential.” He added that this adjustment would involve reducing the preseason games to maintain the current 20-game framework.
“We actually started at 14 games and six preseason,” Goodell explained. “We went to 16 and four, and now 17 and three (from 2021). So 18 and two is a logical step. But we would only do that with the players (in agreement).“
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Goodell also touched on the NFL’s efforts to expand its global footprint. The league plans to hold a record eight games outside the United States during the 2025 season in cities like Madrid and London. Looking ahead, Goodell shared an ambitious vision for international growth: “Our hope would be at some stage to get to 16 (overseas) games in the next few years.” This aligns with the NFL’s broader strategy of bringing American football to new audiences worldwide.
International expansion and record games planned for 2025
When asked about the possibility of establishing a team outside the U.S., Goodell acknowledged the complexities involved. While he sees potential for growth beyond the current 32 teams, he suggested that forming new divisions overseas might be a more viable option than introducing individual international teams.
“You have a lot of issues with a team that’s in – say Europe – and having to travel over playing – games and teams going back over to Europe to play,” he noted. “I think the competitive issues still need to be worked out.”
The commissioner’s comments reflect both the league’s drive for growth and its commitment to player safety and competitive balance. Whether through an expanded schedule or international expansion, Goodell made it clear that collaboration with players and careful planning would remain central to any future changes.
