In a casual chat with reporters on Friday, Mike Repole, a billionaire entrepreneur and co-owner of the UFL, dropped a bombshell that could reshape the landscape of professional football. While discussing the spring league's schedule strategy, Repole hinted that the NFL might be on the verge of expanding to 34 teams—a move that would add two new franchises to the current 32-team lineup.
Repole, who has close ties to Tom Brady through the NoBull brand and Brady's role as a minority owner of the Raiders, didn't hold back when explaining why the UFL avoids overlapping with the NFL and college football seasons. He pointed to the growing length of both seasons, thanks to expanded playoffs and longer regular slates, but then added a tantalizing detail: the NFL is talking about adding more teams.
“I think that even if we stayed where we’re at we’re gonna get closer to the end of bowl seasons because [the NFL and CFB] are going further along. And again, I think that’s an opportunity. That just shows you how much people love football,” Repole said. “I think the NFL’s doing eight, or nine, or 10 international games this year. … They’re adding an extra week, talking about two more expansion teams… It’s great for football.”
The revelation comes at a time when the NFL is aggressively expanding its global footprint, with a record number of international games scheduled for the upcoming season. The league has also recently pushed back against claims that streaming is hurting broadcast TV, arguing instead that streaming is expanding the game to new audiences. Adding two more teams would be a natural next step in that growth strategy, opening up lucrative new markets for both domestic and international fans.
While the NFL hasn't officially confirmed any expansion plans, Repole's proximity to Brady—who serves as a lead analyst on FOX and is part of the Raiders' ownership group—gives his comments extra weight. It's plausible that Repole has insider knowledge of Commissioner Roger Goodell's long-term vision for the league.
Critics might argue that Repole's remarks are speculative, but the logic behind expansion is hard to ignore. The NFL is a money-making machine, and adding two new franchises would generate billions in expansion fees, boost TV ratings, and create new rivalries. The league has already seen success with recent additions like the Las Vegas Raiders and the relocation of the Rams to Los Angeles, proving there's appetite for fresh football markets.
However, expansion isn't without challenges. The NFL would need to navigate complex issues like player compensation, stadium financing, and scheduling. Interestingly, some owners have already taken steps to influence the business side of the game—for instance, three California NFL teams are backing a bill that could slash player workers' comp, signaling a push for cost control. Adding two new teams would only amplify those debates.
For now, Repole's hint is just that—a hint. But given the NFL's relentless pursuit of growth, the idea of a 34-team league doesn't seem far-fetched. If anything, it feels inevitable. As Repole said, “It’s great for football.” And for fans, more football is always a win.
