The interim executive director of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) reaffirmed on Tuesday that the majority of NFL players do not support expanding the regular season from its current 17 games to 18. Speaking during a media availability, the interim leader emphasized that player sentiment has remained consistent since the topic first emerged in league discussions.
The NFL currently operates on a 17-game schedule, a format that was introduced in the 2021 season as part of the existing collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the league and its players. While the CBA runs through the 2030 season, discussions about potentially extending the regular season to 18 games have persisted, particularly from some league stakeholders who see increased revenue opportunities.
However, the NFLPA leadership maintains that the physical and mental toll of the sport on players makes the idea of adding another game unappealing. According to the interim director, players have consistently voiced concerns over the cumulative wear and tear experienced during the season and how an additional game could elevate those impacts significantly.
The association has indicated that protecting player health and safety remains a top priority. Any future negotiations regarding schedule changes would need to address this issue in depth, including considerations for rest, recovery, and long-term player well-being.
The current agreement permits the league to explore changes to the schedule structure, but implementing such changes would likely require union approval, which depends on the support of a majority of players. Past attempts to modify the season format have encountered skepticism and pushback from members concerned about injuries and career longevity.
The NFLPA’s interim leadership has begun preliminary outreach to players to gather detailed feedback, as part of ongoing preparations for future negotiation terms. While no formal proposal to move to an 18-game schedule has been put forth, the union intends to ensure that player voices are clearly represented in any related discussions.
This stance comes amid wider conversations in the sports world about balancing athlete health with commercial interests. For now, the message from NFL players, as conveyed by their union, remains consistent: there is little current support for expanding the season beyond its current length.
