Kraft pushes 18-game NFL season with global games plan
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has renewed calls for the NFL to expand to an 18-game regular season, proposing that every team play one international or neutral-site game each year. Kraft outlined the idea this week as the league continues to explore schedule expansion and global growth.
Kraft said the move would spread the burden evenly while opening new markets. “If we add an extra game, it shouldn’t all fall on home stadiums,” he said, quoted by The Sun. “A neutral-site or international game for everyone makes sense.”
The NFL shifted to a 17-game season in 2021, a change that boosted revenue but raised player welfare concerns. Kraft acknowledged those issues, adding, “Player safety has to be part of the conversation.”
A league source noted that international games are already popular, saying, “This model fits where the NFL wants to go.” Any change would require approval from owners and the players’ union.