The NFL won't officially release its schedule until May, but it sounds like we already know when the Seattle Seahawks will kick off their 2026 season.
According to Joe Flint of The Wall Street Journal, the NFL season could open up on Wednesday night with the Seahawks. Although the reigning Super Bowl champions usually open the season on Thursday night, that slot could be given to the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers since they'll be competing in the first-ever NFL game in Australia.
"Some small NFL TV news. The first game of the regular season will be on Wednesday night on NBC (vs usual Thursday)," Flint said. "The Melbourne game will be on Thursday - platform TBD. NFL can't do a Friday game this year on opening week, hence the tweaks."
As of this week, the NFL has not finalized its Week 1 schedule. However, this isn't the first time someone has reported that Seattle could share the spotlight with its rivals.
John Ourand of Puck recently said the NFL could open the 2026 season in Australia with the Rams and 49ers.
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike MacDonald and quarterback Sam Darnold (14) celebrate with the Vince Lombardi trophy on the podium after defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Disrespectful to the champs?
As you'd imagine, Seattle fans aren't too thrilled with the idea of the Seahawks kicking off Week 1 on a Wednesday night.
"To accommodate the darlings of the @NFL the #Rams and #49ers the reigning Super Bowl champions @Seahawks have to open their season on a Wednesday," one fan said in response to this report. "Really! Another dis by the NFL hierarchy."
"This is so ridiculous," a second fan said.
"Wednesday because Roger Tryna force Wednesday into the NFL schedule but also cause he's overthinking international NFL wit Australia," another fan wrote. "At what point do you put your foot down."
"It's insane to watch the NFL destroy their one true competitive advantage (owning one day instead of being on constantly) in real time, all for incrementally more tv money," a social media user added.
Another factor the NFL has to take into consideration is the MLB's schedule for September. The Seattle Mariners have home games scheduled for Sept. 9-10.
The Thursday game for the Mariners wouldn't interfere with the Seahawks since first pitch is set for 4:10 p.m. ET. The Wednesday game, however, is slated for 9:40 p.m. ET.
Suffice to say, the NFL has some work to do before it finalizes its Week 1 schedule.
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