Concepts for my hypothetical expansion of the NFL to 40 teams.
Lore: The finalized planned move of the Chicago Bears from Soldier Field to a new stadium in the Chicago suburbs was announced in late 2023 and scheduled for the 2026 season. This accompanied continued pressure from fans and executives alike to better capitalize on the London market and to return to the St. Louis market. Finally in response, the NFL announces its first expansion since 2002. Scheduled for 2028, the league will add four teams (two per conference). This will allow the NFL to return to downtown Chicago, St. Louis, and finally make London a permanent home with two teams sharing the UK capital.
Knowing that unbalanced divisions will be a problem in the long term, the league also announces plans to add an additional 4 teams for the 2034 season (aligns with various contracts). This will bring the league to 40 teams, with all 8 divisions settling at 5 teams each. The league also confirms an extended 18 game schedule starting in 2034.
