Dallas – In a recent interview with Dallas sports radio 105.3 FM, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones outlined an ambitious timeline for the National Football League to move to an 18‑game regular season. Jones said the change could happen as soon as the 2027 season, adding that a reduced preseason would benefit both teams and players.
Proposed timeline and rationale
Jones told listeners, “I don’t think we’re far away from it… maybe next year, maybe next month. That has to be negotiated with the players, but it’s in everybody’s best interest.” He explained that cutting back preseason games would allow teams to develop faster once the regular season begins, while also protecting player health.
League and player union perspectives
The NFL expanded from a 16‑game schedule to 17 games in 2021, and the idea of an 18th game has been discussed ever since. Commissioner Roger Goodell has publicly supported owners who favor the expansion, citing the league’s growing popularity and a record nine international games this season. An even larger international slate – ten games – has already been approved for 2027.
The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has expressed mixed feelings. In March, NFLPA executive director JC Tretter told The Athletic that the union is “determined to defend our players and their health.” Tretter warned that any expansion must consider the toll on players, especially with the added travel of international contests.
What the expansion would require
Adding a regular‑season game would involve renegotiating the collective bargaining agreement, adjusting roster sizes, and revising player salary structures. The NFLPA would need to approve any changes before they could be implemented.
Jones emphasized that a shorter preseason would help players stay healthier, stating, “You’d cut back on the preseason games, you’d have teams more developed in the first few games, and it’s certainly in the players’ best interests, in my mind.”
Local impact for Dallas fans
For Dallas supporters, an expanded schedule could mean more home games at AT&T Stadium and additional revenue for the local economy. The Cowboys have already benefited from the league’s increased international exposure, and a longer season could amplify that effect.
While the timeline remains tentative, Jones’s comments signal that the conversation is moving beyond speculation to concrete negotiations. The NFLPA’s caution underscores that any final decision will balance the league’s growth ambitions with player safety.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
