The NFL’s push for an 18-game season is no longer just a rumor; it’s a primary goal for team owners. During the 2026 Annual Meeting at the Biltmore, owners made it clear they want to expand the schedule as soon as possible. Their reasoning is simple: more games create more “inventory” for broadcasters, which increases revenue and raises the player salary cap.
However, the players’ union is resisting. NFLPA interim executive director David White stated in late 2025 that players have “no appetite” for an extra game due to the physical toll and injury risks.
In the chaotic vacuum, New England Patriots ownersRobert Kraft are proposing three precious concessions, and fans are not feeling easy about them.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft open to 18-game regular season under 3 conditions
Patriots owner Robert Kraft is a leading advocate for an 18-game NFL season, but his support comes with specific requirements. Speaking on Boston’s 98.5 The Sports Hub in January, Kraftoutlined three conditions for expanding the schedule.
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Robert Kraft arrives before the game between Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Robert Kraft arrives before the game between Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
First he asked to reduce the preseason from three games to two. Then he suggested adding a second bye week for every team. And then asked all 32 teams to play at least one international game every year.
#Patriots owner Robert Kraft told reporters he’s in favor of an 18th regular season game under these conditions
• Remove one preseason game (from 3 to 2).
• Add a second bye.
• All 32 NFL teams would have an international game every year. https://t.co/FijKloPhDN pic.twitter.com/EEAP2JZsvN
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 30, 2026
Kraft argues these changes are financially necessary. Since NFL games already make up 93 percent of the top 100 television programs, he believes the league has nearly peaked in the U.S. market.
By adding an 18th game and making international play mandatory, the NFL can secure new global media deals and sponsorships. According to Kraft, this extra revenue is the only way to keep increasing the salary cap and maintain a good relationship with the players.
But many on social media describe this move as a serious rookie wall. In college, most rookies play 12 or 13 games. An 18-game NFL season, plus 2 preseason games and a month of training camp, effectively doubles their workload in a single year.
Fans erupt after Robert Kraft’s three conditions
That tension between revenue and roster fairness is exactly what sent fans into a frenzy.
One fan didn’t mince words against the internal game idea, simplywriting, “Literally f*** off.”
Anotheradded, “Greed! Quit trying to add regular season games for revenue. It’s bad for the sport. It robs camp guys of an opportunity to showcase their talent to make a roster. Plus, it wears starters down even more before playoffs.”
A third onepenned, “I hope money’s not the driving force… I hope that people are more aware of the people who are actually going to go out there and be in the game, the players who just got to risk another game before playoffs.”
The fourth fanclaimed, “This makes me think of guys like Russell Wilson and his rookie season.”
A fifth fanpenned, “Of course he’s in favor of anything that’ll cost fans more $. Big shocker, the NFL is full of a bunch of greedy pricks.”
The Patriots are in “win-now” mode. After nearly winning the Super Bowl, they spent heavily in free agency to surround Drake Maye with better protection and a new lead receiver. With 11 picks in the upcoming draft, including the 31st overall, their main goal is to find a franchise tackle to complete the offensive line.