The 2026 NFL schedule is expected to be one of the best in recent memory. The NFL begins the regular season on Wednesday, September 9, when the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks begin action. It will not be on a Thursday night to host the sport's first regular season game in Australia. However, when will the game release the rest of the schedule?
This year's NFL schedule release date could be between Tuesday, May 12 and Thursday, May 14, as reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter. In 2025, the NFL released the schedule on Wednesday, May 14 at 8 pm ET. The 2025 schedule was released on Wednesday, May 15.
If the pattern of the past two years continues in 2026, the schedule will be released on Wednesday, May 13. However, Schefter said to "circle" the week of May 11, specifically Tuesday through Thursday. Either way, it's expected to be a major day within the NFL offseason.
NFL teams have made schedule releases a big event each offseason, even when their opponents are known in advance. It shows which week teams are playing their opponents, kickoff times, and when they have primetime games. Additionally, the NFL reveals the Thanksgiving and Christmas games, which are high-profile days in the game.
The Seahawks and New England Patriots are projected to have multiple primetime slots after making the Super Bowl in February. In fact, there is a possibility that Seattle and New England will play each other on Wednesday, September 9 to kick off the 2026-27 NFL season.
The game will reveal the 2026 schedule in about a month, and the official release date may be announced at the NFL Draft. For now, circle from Tuesday, May 12 to Thursday, May 14.
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