18 games could come sooner than expected

Yes, the NFL will inevitably expand to 18 regular season games. The extra game could be here sooner than expected.

The current collective bargaining agreement between the league and the NFL Players Association runs through the 2030 season. It was believed that the 18-game season would be part of the next CBA.

But the NFL and the NFLPA can reach any deal they want, at any time. And we heard that the two sides talked, as recently as Monday.

Last week, commissioner Roger Goodell mentioned the 180-game season twice. He told Bloomberg TV that it was a “logical step” to move the current formula from 17 regular season games and three preseason games to 18 and two. On Friday night, Goodell said on Jason Kelce’s ESPN show that the league will “probably” move to 18 games.

Obviously, that requires the consent of the NFLPA. In 2020, the union agreed to add another game as part of the current CBA. For more than a decade, Goodell has anticipated a move to 18 total games.

And, yes, it’s possible (if not likely) that the two sides are up to something right now.

It comes as the NFLPA has offered to buy out about half of its 150-employee workforce. (We’re told the initial acceptance deadline was Tuesday.) Also, a ruling was handed down this week on a collusion complaint filed by the NFLPA in November 2022. Some in league circles believe the league has been silent on the outcome (which apparently was win) so as not to disrupt the momentum of the 18-game deal.

So when could 18 games happen? The Super Bowl that will close the 2026 season already falls on Presidents Day weekend in 2027, as Labor Day falls on the last possible day in 2026, September 7th. And while the location for the February 2028 Super Bowl has been selected (Atlanta), the date of the game has not yet been set.

The 2027 season will begin on Thursday, September 8. The Super Bowl, with 17 games, will take place on Sunday, February 13. That’s one week away from President’s Day weekend.

Of course, that would mean 18 games with only one bye.

Regardless, there are 18 games to come. And they could come soon.