The NFL has announced that plans to expand the regular season from 16 games to 17 have been approved.

It also means teams will only play three pre-season games and not four, which was always the case.

The new schedule marks the first change to structure since the 1978 and all teams will play at least one international game over an eight-year period.

The initial focus on those games outside the United States will be on the UK and other European countries as well as Canada, Mexico and South America.

"This is a monumental moment in NFL history," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

"The CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) with the players and the recently completed media agreements provide the foundation for us to enhance the quality of the NFL experience for our fans.

"One of the benefits of each team playing 17 regular-season games is the ability for us to continue to grow our game around the world."

The 2021 NFL season is due to begin on Thursday, September 9th and will run onto Sunday, January 9th.

Super Bowl LVI will take place on February 13th at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.