Sophia
The prospect of the NFL expanding its regular season to 18 games, a topic that has frequently surfaced in recent discussions, is far from a certainty, according to the league’s player representatives. David White, the interim executive director of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), has stated unequivocally that an 18-game schedule is “not inevitable” and has not yet been formally discussed with the league.
No Formal Talks Yet, Says White
Speaking to the Associated Press, White clarified his position, stating, “The league has the right to bring any issue they want to the table and, presumably, to propose what they’re willing to give to receive what they want in negotiation, but we’ll see when that happens. We haven’t talked about it yet, and it certainly is not inevitable and should not be presented as such.”
This statement directly addresses the growing speculation surrounding an expanded schedule, which gained traction after the league moved to a 17-game regular season in 2021. Any further expansion would necessitate a renegotiation of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which is set to expire in March 2031.
Productive Dialogue with Goodell
Despite the lack of formal discussions on an 18-game season, White did confirm a “productive meeting” with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell last month. Both parties agreed to maintain an “open and respectful” line of communication, a positive sign for future negotiations on various league matters.
White stepped into his interim role in August, following the departure of former NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell in July. Howell’s resignation came amidst a series of controversies, including allegations of conflict of interest and collusion. The NFLPA also saw the resignation of its chief strategy officer, JC Tretter, who was considered a potential successor to Howell.
Timeline for Future Discussions
Reports from July, including one by Mark Maske of The Washington Post, indicated that formal negotiations between the NFL and NFLPA regarding an 18-game schedule were not expected to commence until “at least early 2026.” This timeline aligns with White’s current statements, suggesting that such a significant change is still several years away, if it happens at all.
CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones had previously reported that while an 18th game was “seen as inevitable” by some, it was “not a focus” at the league’s annual meetings in April. This sentiment was echoed in 2024 when Howell revealed that informal talks about an 18-game schedule had occurred, but these conversations did not progress to formal discussions.
Looking Ahead to 2028 and Beyond
Maske’s report further suggested that any potential schedule expansion might not take effect until 2028, offering a more concrete, albeit distant, timeframe for such a significant shift. The NFLPA, under White’s interim leadership, appears committed to a measured approach, ensuring that any changes to the regular season schedule are thoroughly vetted and agreed upon by both the league and its players.
For now, fans and stakeholders can expect the NFL’s regular season to remain at 17 games, with any discussion of an 18th game a matter for future negotiations and a new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
