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NFL
When is the 2026 NFL Schedule expected to be released?
TL;DR
The NFL is expected to release the 2026 schedule sometime in May, likely after May 18. The initial speculation of a May 13 release date has been deemed unlikely.
Key points
- NFL concluded the 2026 Draft in Pittsburgh
- Teams are preparing for minicamps and training camp
- NFL schedule release expected in May
- May 13 release date now unlikely
- Possible delay until the week of May 18
The NFL has concluded the 2026 NFL Draft following a successful event in Pittsburgh. Teams have now shifted their focus to preparing for minicamps and training camp.
Before those camps begin, however, the league still needs to release the full 2026 NFL schedule. The NFL typically announces this date during the first round of the draft.
This year, the league has only stated that it will release the schedule sometime in May. Earlier speculation pointed to May 13, but that date now appears unlikely. So when will the schedule be released?
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According to a recent report, the NFL may delay the release until at least the week of May 18. While that timeline could change at any moment, something has already pushed the expected May 13 date back.
Better late than never?
The delay reportedly stems from an ongoing bidding war between Netflix, YouTube, and FOX for a five-game package. The specifics of those games will likely play a major role in both the bids and the final schedule.
The league has already set the regular season kickoff for Wednesday, September 9. The defending champion Seattle Seahawks will open their 2026 campaign, though their opponent remains unknown.
The NFL made this scheduling adjustment to accommodate the Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers game in Australia, which will air on September 10. That matchup will mark the leagueâs first game in Australia, hosted at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne.
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While the dates for Week 1 are set and a few games are known, the remaining 272 games still need to be finalized. Teams already know their opponentsâa list the league finalized immediately after the 2025 regular season.
At one point, speculation suggested the NFL might expand to an 18-game schedule in 2026, but the NFLPA has made it clear that will not happen.
Now the big question remains: Will the NFL stick to the projected week of May 18, or will it surprise fans and media by releasing the schedule sooner?
Q&A
What is the expected release date for the 2026 NFL schedule?
The 2026 NFL schedule is expected to be released sometime in May, with speculation pointing to after May 18.
Why was the May 13 release date for the 2026 NFL schedule pushed back?
The May 13 release date was pushed back due to recent developments, although specific reasons have not been disclosed.
When does the NFL typically announce its schedule?
The NFL typically announces its schedule during the first round of the draft, which usually occurs in late April.
