The NFL could make unprecedented changes to its schedule, and fans are deeply upset over them. On May 16, NFL insider Ari Meirov shared the latest update on how many games viewers can expect in a season. 

“The NFL’s viewpoint on adding more games to standalone windows, including Wednesdays, is that ‘more football for fans is only a good thing,’” NFL executive Hans Schroeder said today,” Meirov posted on X. 

This update comes after a discussion that took place on May 15, when NFL decision-makers talked about the upcoming games this season. For the second time in the league’s history, the season opener is scheduled on a Wednesday. 

“I think you'll see us certainly playing on a couple nights, weekday nights to start the year going forward,” NFL Executive VP Hans Schroeder said on Friday. 

The reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks will host the New England Patriots to kick off the NFL season on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

It will be followed by an international game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams, hosted in Australia.

The latest developments, such as the Netflix distribution deal and the increasing number of international games, have already sent football fans on edge. This update prompted a reply from Meirov.

“The league believes that is being validated by the ratings it continues to generate. At this point, the league does not appear to believe there’s a tipping point where it starts to feel excessive,” he added on his X post.

He is far from the only one frustrated with the league's direction.

Fans Disapprove of the Possibility Of Football On Wednesday 

After Meirov’s update, fans flocked to the comments to voice their disapproval of Wednesday games.

“NO this is clearly f****** greed.  The NFL ratings are already tanking... EVERYONE knows it.. adding more will just show how badly ratings are getting,” one comment replied. 

An ESPN report highlighted that the NFL saw a 10% increase in television ratings last season, with games averaging 18.7 million viewers.

“Unapologetic greed. Nobody wants this. Nobody. Plus injuries are bad enough as it is halfway through the year. If the NFL continues to squeeze every drop of revenue out of each season, the quality of their product will eventually suffer,” another viewer commented.

Players like Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Malik Nabers, and Tyreek Hill lost significant time on the field due to their respective injuries. Reduced rest periods inherently increase the risk of player fatigue and injury.

“Ratings are one thing, but if quality on the field suffers, then the NFL is ruining its own product.”

Another commented, “I don’t really care when the games are played to be honest. It’s more that I care about player safety.”

Other fans expressed broader concerns regarding the league's overall direction.

“I mean I don’t really have a problem with the Wednesday opener considering the Australia game, but some of these are getting ridiculous.”

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Rudra Dubey