When is the NFL schedule release 2026? Why the announcement could be delayed

The NFL schedule release has become one of the league’s biggest offseason events.

But the league still hasn't hasn’t officially announced when the full 2026 regular-season schedule will be revealed.

League executives said the release could arrive later than usual this year as the NFL continues working through media-rights negotiations and an unfinished broadcast package.

The NFL traditionally unveils the complete 18-week, 272-game regular-season schedule in the second week of May. That remains possible this year, but the third week of May is also a possibility.

Here’s what we know about the 2026 NFL schedule release.

Has the NFL announced the 2026 schedule release date?

No.

The NFL has not officially announced the date for the 2026 schedule release.

In recent years, the league revealed the schedule during the second week of May, typically on a Wednesday or Thursday night. Last season, the NFL used the 2025 draft stage to announce the release date about three weeks in advance.

NFL vice president of broadcast planning Mike North on said that the league is still targeting mid-May but acknowledged the release could slide back by a week.

"Is there any magic to May 12, 13, 14? No. Is there any real downside to May 19, 20, or 21? No," North said on the “It’s Always Game Day in Buffalo” podcast. "I don’t think it’s coming out in June, but that second week in May has been our target the last few years, but I don’t know that it’s impossible to think about that third week in May.”

Why could the NFL schedule release be delayed?

There are more moving parts than usual this year.

A major factor is an unresolved five-game media package that is still being negotiated separately from the NFL’s primary television agreements. Reports have linked YouTube, Netflix and Fox to the package.

Until those games officially have broadcast homes, the league cannot fully finalize the schedule.

The NFL is also preparing for a record nine international games in 2026, including the league’s first regular-season game in Australia.

North said the league also considers late roster developments, trades and other offseason storylines while building the schedule.

Commissioner Roger Goodell signs off on the final version before it is released publicly.

What date is most likely for the NFL schedule release?

The most likely window still appears to be May 13-14.

The NFL has released the schedule on a Wednesday in each of the last two years after using Thursdays for four straight years before that.

If it's not May 13-14, May 20-21 is also possible if the schedule-building process takes longer than expected.

The NFL is expected to announce the schedule release date publicly in advance.

What games have already been announced for the 2026 NFL season?

The NFL has already confirmed a few details.

The defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks will host the NFL Kickoff Game on Wednesday, Sept. 9. Their opponent has not yet been announced.

The NFL also confirmed its first regular-season game in Australia. The Los Angeles Rams will face the San Francisco 49ers on Sept. 10 at Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The league announced during the draft that the Baltimore Ravens will face the Dallas Cowboys in Brazil on Sept. 27.

Are there international games in 2026?

Yes.

The NFL will play a record nine international games during the 2026 season.

Here are the confirmed host teams and locations:

• Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia, Sept. 10
• 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 games)
• Washington Commanders in London, England

How to watch the NFL schedule release

The NFL has already launched a schedule release page on its website promoting coverage on NFL Network, ESPN2 and the ESPN app.

The league has not yet announced the official release date, time or specific television plans for the 2026 reveal show.

Last year, NFL Network and ESPN aired multi-hour primetime specials dedicated to the schedule announcement.

When was the NFL schedule released in previous years?

Here are the dates of the last seven 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

When does the 2026 NFL season start?

The 2026 NFL regular season begins on Wednesday, Sept. 9 with the NFL Kickoff Game hosted by the Seattle Seahawks.

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

When does the 2026 NFL regular season end?

Week 18 is scheduled for Jan. 10, 2027.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: NFL schedule release 2026: Possible date, delay rumors, TV coverage