How to watch and live stream the 2026 NFL schedule release: TV channel, start time

The wait for the 2026 NFL regular season schedule is finally over.

The NFL officially releases the full 2026 schedule on Thursday night, giving fans their first look at primetime matchups, international games, holiday showdowns, and key rivalry games for the upcoming season.

🏈 Watch the 2026 NFL Schedule Release Live on Fubo

MORE: NFL schedule leaks tracker: Every rumored & confirmed game for 2026

Several major matchups have already leaked ahead of the official reveal, including a Thanksgiving Day clash between the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills, along with the NFL’s first-ever Thanksgiving Eve game featuring the Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams on Netflix.

What Time Does the 2026 NFL Schedule Release Start?

The NFL Schedule Release special begins at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 14.

ESPN and NFL Network will air live coverage of the reveal, including breakdowns of primetime games, Monday Night Football matchups, playoff rematches, and strength-of-schedule analysis.

How to Watch the 2026 NFL Schedule Release Live

Stream ESPN and NFL Network on Fubo

Fans can watch the full NFL Schedule Release show on:

• ESPN2
• NFL Network
• ESPN App
• NFL+

Streaming options will also be available on Fubo, where you can get a free trial for new subscribers.

Biggest Rumored Games Already Leaking

As usual, portions of the NFL schedule began leaking before the official release.

Among the notable reported matchups:

• Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills on Thanksgiving Day
• Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants on Sunday Night Football in Week 1
• Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football, opening week
• San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia
• Green Bay Packers vs. Los Angeles Rams on Thanksgiving Eve via Netflix

The league is also expected to reveal the full international slate, which reportedly includes games in London, Madrid, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, and Melbourne.

NFL Continues Expanding Streaming Presence

The 2026 NFL season will continue the league’s massive push into streaming.

Netflix is scheduled to stream five NFL games this season, while Prime Video remains home to Thursday Night Football. Peacock, ESPN+, NFL+, and YouTube’s Sunday Ticket package will also carry games throughout the year.

That makes Thursday night’s schedule reveal even more important for fans trying to plan streaming subscriptions and primetime viewing schedules before the season begins.

When Does the 2026 NFL Season Start?

The 2026 NFL regular season is expected to begin in early September, with the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks projected to open the season in primetime.

📺 Start Watching NFL Coverage on Fubo

The full Week 1 slate, holiday games, and playoff rematches will all be officially announced during Thursday’s broadcast.

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