The NFL schedule release finally has a date.
After weeks of speculation that the annual unveiling could be delayed beyond its traditional mid-May window, the league confirmed it will unveil the full 2026 regular-season schedule on Thursday, May 14.
The complete 18-week, 272-game schedule along with preseason matchups will be revealed during a primetime broadcast event.
Here’s what we know about the 2026 NFL schedule release.
When is the NFL schedule release date?
The NFL will release the 2026 regular-season schedule on Thursday, May 14.
The league did not officially confirm a release date until May 8, creating speculation that the annual event could be pushed back later than usual this year.
The full list of nine international games was announced on Wednesday, May 13.
The home and away opponents for each team were determined at the conclusion of the 2025 regular season.
What day of the week is the NFL schedule announced?
The NFL will release the schedule on a Thursday. The international games will be announced a day earlier, at 9 a.m. ET on “Good Morning Football” on NFL Network.
The league announced the full schedule on Wednesdays the previous two years after favoring Thursday from 2020-2023.
Here are the dates for the last even NFL schedule releases:
What time is the NFL schedule released?
The NFL schedule release show will begin at 8 p.m.
Are any games leaked or announced earlier in the day?
Yes.
In recent years, the NFL has revealed select games in the days before the full schedule release, including opening night, international games, holiday matchups and streaming exclusives.
How to watch the 2026 NFL schedule release
The NFL schedule release show will air on NFL Network, NFL+, ESPN2 and the ESPN App.
What is the NFL international schedule in 2026?
The nine international games were announced on Wednesday, May 13:
Week 1: Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers
Week 3: Dallas Cowboys vs. Baltimore Ravens
Week 4: Washington Commanders vs. Indianapolis Colts
Week 5: Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Week 6: Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Houston Texans
Week 7: New Orleans Saints vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 9: Atlanta Falcons vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Week 10: Detroit Lions vs. New England Patriots
Week 11: San Francisco 49ers vs. Minnesota Vikings
When does the 2026 NFL season start?
The 2026 NFL regular season begins on Wednesday, Sept. 9.
The defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks will host the NFL Kickoff Game. Their opponent has not yet been announced.
The following night, the Rams and 49ers will play in the NFL’s first regular-season game in Australia.
When does the 2026 NFL regular season end?
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.
Are there NFL games on Christmas Day in 2026?
The NFL will have a Christmas Day tripleheader for the second straight year.
When can you buy tickets for the 2026 season?
Tickets will be available through Ticketmaster when the schedule is released. The league also has partnerships with SeatGeek and Sports Illustrated Tickets through the NFL Ticket Network.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: When is the 2026 NFL schedule release? Date, time, TV channels
Reporting by Ryan Miller, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
