Report: NFLPA won’t discuss 18-game season until ‘at least early 2026’
Per multiple reports, the NFLPA is not expected to negotiate with the NFL on a potential 18-game schedule until “at least early next year.”
(Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)
The NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell have made many overtures about the league having an expanded 18-game regular-season schedule in its future, but according to sources, the NFL Players Association has not been willing to discuss it just yet.
According to a Washington Post report Tuesday, the NFLPA is not expected to formally negotiate with the NFL and team owners on a potential 18-game schedule and other issues regarding the labor agreement until “at least early next year.”
Per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the “reason for the delay isn’t clear.”
Formal talks between the #NFL and NFLPA on an 18-game schedule may not begin until 2026:https://t.co/IgNZblruP1
— Pro Football Rumors (@pfrumors) July 1, 2025
Goodell and the team owners have been pushing for the expanded schedule to improve the league’s position from a media rights perspective, particularly in preparation for a new media package being on the line. Goodell has also made it known the league would like to expand the number of international games to at least 16.
From an NFLPA perspective, the added game and additional travel bring obvious player safety concerns up for discussion.
Still, it’s believed the expanded schedule is an inevitability. It’s just a matter of when the NFLPA will be willing to discuss and negotiate. The current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) expires after the 2030 season.
–Field Level Media
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It looks like Aaron Rodgers will be one and done in Pittsburgh.
Earlier this month, the four-time NFL Most Valuable Player signed a one-year contract to quarterback the Steelers in 2025. And he expects this season to be the last of his career, he said Tuesday in his appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
“Yeah, I’m pretty sure this is it,” Rodgers told McAfee. “That’s why we just did a one-year deal.”
His $13.65 million contract with the Steelers includes $10 million in guarantees but also nearly $6 million in incentives that could push the total value to $19.5 million.
Rodgers will be playing in his 21st season with his third team, following the Green Bay Packers (2005-22) and New York Jets (2023-24).
Rodgers, 41, wants to help the Steelers on the field, but he told McAfee he also is committed to helping other quarterbacks on the roster, especially rookie Will Howard. The two started to develop a relationship during minicamp.
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