Fox News Channel offers its audiences in-depth news reporting, along with opinion and analysis encompassing the principles of free people, free markets and diversity of thought, as an alternative to the left-of-center offerings of the news marketplace.
PHOENIX – Robert Kraft, the visionary who bought the flailing New England Patriots in the 1990s and turned them into an NFL dynasty, was imagining the NFL's future when he spoke with reporters on Monday.
Kraft, who definitely gets it, would like to see a future NFL that plays 18 regular-season games, plays only two preseason games, includes two bye weeks and, oh yeah, has every single team playing one of its games internationally. So there it is … the NFL's dream scenario for the 2030s. Robert Kraft Envisions NFL Change 'I like it long term for the growth and development of the league because, to keep our league healthy and grow revenue, I think preseason games have not been what it used to be when we owned the team,' Kraft told New England area reporters during a break in the NFL annual meeting. 'And changing to 18 games and having that real content and being mindful of player safety, I'd personally like to see us have a second bye week. 'But then, it would allow us to also grow the game internationally. Every team in the league would play a game overseas … I think it would be a lot more exciting for the fans to have an extra game rather than the way our preseason games stack up.' This is not a daydream. It's a league that craves growth and money building a penthouse over its already lofty perch atop American sports. And we know this because commissioner Roger Goodell has leaked a somewhat similar vision of Kraft's outline in drubs and drabs the last couple of years — usually before offering a requisite amount of temperance to lower expectations. NFL Vision Is For Tomorrow, Not Today 'We're not there yet,' Goodell said before Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara. 'There's more work to be done.' NFL owners are apparently doing some of that work at the current meetings. And so the topic is leaking out into the media. Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon wants an 18-game regular season and made that point clear in speaking with local Indianapolis area reporters as well as during an appearance on 'The Pat McAfee Show.' She has complained in the past that 17 games doesn't give teams financial certainty from year to year, because some years teams play eight home games and some years they play nine and some years one of those home games goes overseas to an international venue. 'I think, as long as the players want it – which I think they would, because it would mean more revenue and, ultimately, a better product – I think it's reasonable and something we would work toward,' Irsay-Gordon told the Indianapolis Star. Adding an 18th game would have to be collectively bargained with the NFL Players' Association. And the NFLPA has over the last several years been vehemently opposed to the addition of an 18th game. But the same NFLPA has never been vehemently opposed to more money and benefits for players. And it's never uttered any complaint when the idea of expanded rosters, meaning more jobs for more players, has been floated. International Games A Work In Progress So, do you smell a negotiation in the works? Speaking hypothetically, one agent told OutKick a negotiation might start with the idea that the NFL wants one more game. And then the players would get the extra bye week, expanded rosters, a higher minimum salary, greater post-retirement benefits and more off time during the offseason. Beyond the extra game, placing 18 of them overseas – twice as many as planned for 2026 – sounds easier than it actually is. 'We're early in that process,' NFL executive vice president Peter O'Reilly said. 'We're expanding each year, we're learning each year. We're going into new markets and making sure every move we make, every new market we go into has to be successful. 'Obviously, a lot has to be worked through to get to a stage that you described. I think the work we're doing is making sure we have the foundation ready should that opportunity exist.'
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Why Is Mayor Johnston Playing Small Ball With Downtown?Mayor Mike Johnston should think bigger with downtown development projects. Why not install a gondola system?
Read more »
Former BYU Players in the NFL Ahead of the NFL Draft18 former BYU football players are currently on NFL teams. More BYU players will be added to NFL rosters in a few weeks when the NFL Draft takes place. Former B
Read more »
Duke Finally Burnt After Playing with Fire Throughout NCAA TournamentThe Duke basketball season ended in heartbreaking fashion in the Elite 8 against UConn but the team might have had its collapse coming.
Read more »
Sadie Sink Is Probably Playing Jean Grey, But an Obscure Spider-Man Character Would Be BetterWhile Jean Grey is likely in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, all signs also point to a villain who would be so much better.
Read more »
Which teams are playing in Dallas-Fort Worth during 2026 FIFA World Cup?The 48-team field for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is nearly finalized, meaning soccer fans in the Dallas-Fort Worth area can plan accordingly. With a tournament-hig...
Read more »
‘Sent a Message Before the Game’—Why This Real Madrid Star is Inspired By Tom BradyThe French midfielder sent the NFL legend a text before playing Brazil at Gillette Stadium.
Read more »