NFL schedule launch 2026: Date, time, TV channel, worldwide video games

The NFL schedule launch lastly has a date.

After weeks of hypothesis that the annual unveiling could possibly be delayed past its conventional mid-May window, the league confirmed it’s going to unveil the complete 2026 regular-season schedule on Thursday, May 14.

The full 18-week, 272-game schedule together with preseason matchups might be revealed throughout a primetime broadcast occasion.

Here’s what we all know concerning the 2026 NFL schedule launch.

When is the NFL schedule launch date?

The NFL will launch the 2026 regular-season schedule on Thursday, May 14.

The league didn’t formally affirm a launch date till Friday, creating hypothesis that the annual occasion could possibly be pushed again later than common this yr.

NFL vide president of broadcast planning Mike North acknowledged that the discharge might slide into the third week of May because the league finalized media packages and international-game logistics.

The NFL historically retains most schedule particulars secret till the official reveal present, though choose video games might be introduced earlier within the week.

The full checklist of 9 worldwide video games might be introduced on Wednesday, May 13.

The house and away opponents for every workforce have been decided on the conclusion of the 2025 common season.

What day of the week is the NFL schedule introduced?

The NFL will launch the schedule on a Thursday. The worldwide video games might be introduced a day earlier, on Wednesday.

The league introduced the complete schedule on Wednesdays the earlier two years after favoring Thursday from 2020-2023.

Here are the dates for the final even NFL schedule releases:

• 2025: Wednesday, May 14
• 2024: Wednesday, May 15
• 2023: Thursday, May 11
• 2022: Thursday, May 12
• 2021: Thursday, May 13
• 2020: Thursday, May 7
• 2019: Wednesday, April 17

What time is the NFL schedule launched?

The NFL schedule launch present sometimes begins at 8 p.m. The league has not confirmed a particular time for 2026.

Are any video games leaked or introduced earlier within the day?

Yes.

In latest years, the NFL has revealed choose video games within the days earlier than the complete schedule launch, together with opening night time, worldwide video games, vacation matchups and streaming exclusives.

Leaks additionally start resurfacing hours earlier than the official launch present.

A number of particulars have already been introduced for 2026:

• Seattle Seahawks will host the NFL Kickoff Game on Wednesday, Sept. 9.
• Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia, 8:35 p.m. ET, Thursday, Sept. 10, Netflix
• Dallas Cowboys vs. Baltimore Ravens in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sept. 27

How to look at the 2026 NFL schedule launch

The NFL schedule launch present will air on NFL Network, NFL+ and ESPN platforms.

When does the 2026 NFL season begin?

The 2026 NFL common season begins on Wednesday, Sept. 9.

The defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks will host the NFL Kickoff Game. Their opponent has not but been introduced.

The following night time, the Rams and 49ers will play within the NFL’s first regular-season sport in Australia.

When does the 2026 NFL common season finish?

Week 18 of the 2026 NFL season is scheduled for Jan. 10, 2027.

When are the NFL playoffs?

Here are the dates for the postseason.

• Wild-Card Round: Jan. 16-18
• Divisional Round: Jan. 23-24
• Conference Championships: Jan. 31
• Super Bowl LXI: Feb. 14, SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California Levi’s Stadium, 6:30 p.m., ESPN/ABC

Are there NFL worldwide video games in 2026?

There might be a file 9 worldwide video games in 2026.

Here are the confirmed video games and places to this point:

• Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia, 8:35 p.m. ET, Thursday, Sept. 10, Netflix
• Dallas Cowboys vs. Baltimore Ravens in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sept. 27
• New Orleans Saints in Paris, France
• Detroit Lions in Munich, Germany
• Atlanta Falcons in Madrid, Spain
• San Francisco 49ers in Mexico City, Mexico
• Jacksonville Jaguars in London, England (two video games)
• Washington Commanders in London, England

Are there NFL video games on Christmas Day in 2026?

The NFL may have a Christmas Day tripleheader for the second straight yr.

When can you purchase tickets for the 2026 season?

Tickets might be available through Ticketmaster when the schedule is launched. The league additionally has partnerships with SeatGeek and Sports Illustrated Tickets by means of the NFL Ticket Network.