Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, has expressed support for expanding the National Football League regular season to 18 games and increasing the number of international games played each year.
Kraft said he plans to discuss the proposal with other NFL owners during the league’s annual meetings in Phoenix, Arizona. The idea is aimed at growing the league’s popularity, increasing revenue and giving fans more meaningful games.
Kraft’s Plan for an 18-Game Regular Season
Currently, NFL teams play 17 regular-season games and three preseason games. Kraft believes the league should adjust the schedule to include 18 regular-season games while reducing preseason contests.
Proposed NFL Schedule Format
| Season Type | Current Format | Proposed Format |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Season Games | 17 | 18 |
| Preseason Games | 3 | 2 |
| Bye Weeks | 1 | Possibly 2 |
According to Kraft, the change would make the league’s schedule more exciting and valuable for fans, since regular-season games matter more than preseason matchups.
Although the NFL’s current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) runs through 2030, discussions about future changes have already started among team owners.
Mandatory International Games Under Proposal
Another key part of Kraft’s proposal is increasing the NFL’s global presence.
He supports a rule where every NFL team would play at least one international game each season. This would help grow the league’s popularity in international markets and attract new fans.
The Patriots have already played several games outside the United States.
Patriots International Game Results
| Year | Location | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Wembley Stadium, London | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Win 35-7 |
| 2012 | Wembley Stadium, London | St. Louis Rams | Win 45-7 |
| 2017 | Mexico City | Oakland Raiders | Win 33-8 |
| 2023 | Frankfurt, Germany | Indianapolis Colts | Loss 10-6 |
| London | Wembley Stadium | Jacksonville Jaguars | Loss 32-16 |
Patriots International Record
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Total Games | 5 |
| Wins | 3 |
| Losses | 2 |
The Patriots also hold international marketing rights in several countries including:
- Austria
- Brazil
- Germany
- Switzerland
These rights are part of the NFL’s global expansion strategy.
Player Concerns About an 18-Game Season
While some owners support the idea of expanding the schedule, many NFL players and union representatives have raised concerns.
Players worry about:
- Increased physical strain
- Higher injury risk
- Longer recovery time during the season
Kraft acknowledged these concerns and suggested adding a second bye week during the season to help players recover and manage the heavier workload.
Read more: Robert Kraft Backs Patriots’ Future, Wants Drake Maye and Christian Gonzalez to Stay Long-Term
Revenue and League Growth
Kraft also connected the idea of an expanded schedule with financial growth for the league.
He noted that NFL games regularly dominate television ratings and streaming numbers. According to him, most of the highest-rated TV programs in the United States are NFL games.
One late-December streaming broadcast reportedly attracted around 31 million viewers, showing the league’s massive popularity.
More games could mean:
- Increased broadcast revenue
- Higher salary caps for teams
- Greater financial stability for players and franchises
Patriots’ Success Under Robert Kraft
Robert Kraft has been one of the most successful owners in NFL history since purchasing the Patriots in 1994.
Patriots Achievements Under Kraft
| Achievement | Total |
|---|---|
| Super Bowl Titles | 6 |
| Conference Championships | 11 |
| AFC East Titles | 20 |
| Playoff Appearances | 22 |
The team also won 11 consecutive AFC East division titles from 2009 to 2019, one of the most dominant runs in league history.
Key Updates
| Player / Team | Update |
|---|---|
| New England Patriots | Owner Robert Kraft supports 18-game NFL season and expanded international games |
| NFL | Owners discussing possible schedule changes during annual meetings |
| Players | Some concerned about health and workload from longer season |
| Robert Kraft | Suggests second bye week to reduce player fatigue |
The proposal to expand the NFL season to 18 games will require agreement between team owners and the players’ union. Because the current labor agreement runs through 2030, any major change will involve negotiations.
As NFL owners gather in Phoenix for the annual meetings, Kraft’s proposal is expected to be one of the most discussed topics, especially as the league continues to explore new ways to grow its global audience.
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