The Kansas City Chiefs are looking to expand their global reach, and team owner Clark Hunt is open to a significant league change to make it happen. Hunt has voiced support for expanding the NFL regular season to 18 games, seeing it as a key step to schedule more international matchups without sacrificing home games for teams.

"Growing the number of international games, that’s something we’re very supportive of," Hunt stated. "From a schedule dynamic, having 18 games would facilitate that." The Chiefs are no strangers to the global stage, having played in Brazil, Germany, Mexico, and the United Kingdom, and are actively lobbying to face the Atlanta Falcons in Madrid this season.

However, the proposal for an 18-game schedule is a contentious one, primarily due to player safety concerns. The vast majority of NFL players have historically opposed adding more games, even with discussions of a second bye week. The physical toll is a major worry, especially for star players. The Chiefs experienced this risk firsthand when an injury to Patrick Mahomes last season dramatically altered their campaign, highlighting how fragile a team's fortunes can be.

Despite player reservations, the push from league ownership, including figures like Commissioner Roger Goodell, is persistent. The driving force is ultimately financial, with the potential for massive new revenue from international markets and broadcast rights. The prevailing belief is that owners will eventually propose a deal lucrative enough for the players to accept the added physical burden.

For now, the debate continues. As the NFL aims to become a truly global sport, the tension between ambitious international growth and protecting the players who make the game great remains the central storyline. The Chiefs, with their star power and championship pedigree, are poised to be at the forefront of this expansion whenever it arrives.