One of the major attractions of the 2026 league meetings was determining the fate of the 18-game format in the NFL. The New England Patriots owner, Robert Kraft, supports the change. But at the same time, he has dished out some conditions.

“#Patriots owner Robert Kraft told reporters he's in favor of an 18th regular season game under these conditions. Remove one preseason game (from 3 to 2).  Add a second bye. All 32 NFL teams would have an international game every year,” NFL insider Ariv Meirov posted in an X post on Monday. 

Kraft reasoned that an 18-game season with international games would globalize the sport and increase revenue. The NFL has added more international games in the 2026 season. Earlier this month, it was announced that Australia will host a Week 1 game between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams.

Well, Kraft had valid reasons behind placing his conditions. Preseason comes with a lot of injury risk. Cutting it helps tone down the physical toll on players.

“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 own the team,” Kraft said. 

He proposed an additional bye week to ensure rest and recovery. Along with Kraft, Indianapolis Colts’ Carlie Irsay-Gordon, too, is all in for an 18th regular-season game. She also agrees that the preseason should be shortened.

As support pours in from Kraft and Irsay-Gordon, JC Tretter is in charge of the new negotiations, leading the players' union. Even though nothing is signed yet, it's likely heading to getting approved, but not before 2027.

What Does the 2026 Schedule Look Like for the Patriots

The Patriots went 14-3, and critics credited their schedule with their success. Kraft's program did grab the AFC Conference Championship, its first time since 2019, but the programs they faced questioned their viability as a true Super Bowl contender.

In fact, it was the third-weakest schedule in the league, and critics were unhappy over the nine home games and minimal travel. Kraft's Patriots ultimately lost to the Seattle Seahawks. But this time, things will not go in their favor schedule-wise.

“We have a pretty tough -- I think the hardest -- schedule, a lot of West Coast travel,” Kraft admitted. 

The Patriots have nine road games this season against the Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Chargers, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, among others. Home games are against the Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, and others, in addition to the division opponents.

Under Kraft, they scripted an impressive rebound story from their 4-13 record in 2024 to a 14-3 season. Last season, especially the AFC Championship against the Denver Broncos, was certainly an ego and morale boost with a 7-10 victory. With a tough test lying ahead, Kraft is excited about the new format.

Share your thoughts on Kraft’s opinion in the comments. 

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar