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.
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This year, the league has only stated that it will release the schedule sometime in May. There is now a definitive time frame for the schedule release.
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According to a report from CNBC reporter Alex Sherman, the NFL now fully expects to release the complete 2026 NFL schedule on May 13 or May 14. The league had previously targeted that timeframe, but the report now confirms it.
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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. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
A potential delay reportedly stemmed from an ongoing bidding war among Netflix, YouTube, and FOX for a five-game package. The specifics of those matchups will likely play a major role in both the bidding process and the final schedule.
Why the previous uncertainty?
It remains unclear what put the schedule release back on track. However, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers may have influenced the timing.
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Reports on Thursday indicated Rodgers is expected to play for the Steelers in 2026 and could sign as early as this weekend. His anticipated reunion with Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy would likely generate significant broadcast interest. This may have contributed to the delay.
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The league has already scheduled the regular-season opener for Wednesday, September 9. Defending champion Seattle Seahawks will begin their 2026 campaign that night, although their opponent has not yet been announced.
Feb 5, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; From left: Los Angeles Rams president Kevin Demoff, NFL executive vice president of club business, league events and international Peter O’Reilly, Victoria minister for tourism, sport and major events Steve Dimopoulos and NFL Australia and New Zealand general manager Charlotte Offord pose at the NFL International press conference to announce the 2026 Melbourne Game at the Super Bowl LIX Media Center at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The NFL adjusted the schedule to accommodate the Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers game in Australia on September 10. The matchup will mark the league’s first game in Australia and will take place at Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne.
Although the Week 1 dates are set and a handful of games are already known, the league still must finalize the remaining 272 games. Teams already know their opponents, as the NFL finalized those matchups immediately after the conclusion of the 2025 regular season.
Which teams will receive the most primetime appearances, and which marquee matchups will land in the league’s biggest broadcast windows?