Since the NFL added a 17th game to the regular season in 2021, rumors about pushing to 18 games have only gotten louder. Commissioner Roger Goodell has been vocal about wanting the extra game, arguing it would bring in more revenue, more exciting matchups, and more international exposure.
But NFL players aren’t buying it — literally or figuratively. They’re worried about what an 18th game means for their health, careers, and wallets. NFL Players Association (NFLPA) Executive Director Lloyd Howell made it clear earlier this year: “No one wants to play an 18th game.”
Now, both the league and the players seem to have tabled the issue. According to the Washington Post, the NFLPA doesn’t plan on entering any formal negotiations about an 18-game schedule until at least the 2026 offseason. Informal talks have happened since last summer, but there are major obstacles ahead before adding another regular-season game becomes a reality.
Why Players Are Against an Extra Game
More games simply mean more opportunities for injuries. The NFL tried to offset the addition of the 17th game by reducing preseason games from four to three (except for the Hall of Fame Game teams, which play four). But they also expanded the playoffs by adding two extra postseason games and eliminated the first-round bye for each conference’s #2 seed, effectively increasing total games for playoff teams.
If the league wants to go from 17 to 18 games, it would probably have to cut the preseason down to just two games per team. But many players — especially starters — don’t value preseason games much since they barely play anyway. Regular-season games, on the other hand, are non-negotiable when it comes to suiting up.
The Money Factor
Adding another game means more TV revenue, sponsorships, and ticket sales — and players want a fair share. Under the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which runs through 2030, players get at least 48% of all league revenue. That was an increase from 47% in the previous CBA. If owners want players to risk their bodies in another high-stakes game, the NFLPA will almost certainly demand a bigger cut and more guaranteed money.
Another idea is expanding active rosters to help teams deal with increased injuries, but that comes with a catch: more players would dilute how much each individual can earn from the revenue pie.
Potential Schedule Complications
The discussions would also likely include a second bye week to help give players more rest during the grind of a longer season. But adding a second bye and an 18th game would extend the season from 18 weeks to 20 weeks total. That could push the Super Bowl into President’s Day weekend — giving fans the “Super Bowl holiday” they’ve dreamed of — but it also creates new problems.
Starting the season a week earlier exposes players to more extreme summer heat, especially in southern cities. On the other end, extending deeper into winter increases the chances of frigid games like the Chiefs’ record-cold playoff victory over the Dolphins last postseason.
And how would the NFL schedule an 18th game? The 17th game was added as an interconference matchup based on the previous season’s standings. An 18th game could water down divisional and conference matchups even further — something the league has tried to protect.
Bottom Line
For now, both sides seem content to leave the conversation on hold. But if owners keep pushing for an 18-game schedule to boost their bottom lines, a showdown with the players seems inevitable. When negotiations resume, expect battles over health risks, pay, schedule fairness, and more — all of which could impact teams like the Lions, who are off the hook for a tougher 2026 schedule… at least for now.
NFL’s 18-Game Season Push Stalls Until 2026 as Players Hold Firm on Health Concerns
