When does the 2026 NFL season start?

The 2026 NFL season is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, September 9th.

Which teams are playing in the NFL's international debut game?

The Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers will play in Melbourne, Australia.

Home / Sports / NFL Kicks Off 2026 Season on Wednesday Night

NFL Kicks Off 2026 Season on Wednesday Night

Q: Is the NFL considering a Thanksgiving Eve game?

Yes, the NFL is reportedly considering adding a Thanksgiving Eve game as early as the 2026 season.

26 Mar

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Summary

The 2026 NFL season will commence on a Wednesday, September 9th.
The Rams and 49ers will play in Melbourne, Australia, on Friday morning.
The league is considering adding a Thanksgiving Eve game as it expands.

NFL Kicks Off 2026 Season on Wednesday Night

The 2026 NFL season is set to begin with a historic Wednesday night opener on September 9th, featuring the Seattle Seahawks. This marks a departure from tradition, with previous Wednesday games typically occurring due to scheduling conflicts or holidays.

This unique scheduling is partly driven by the league's international expansion. The Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers are scheduled to play in Melbourne, Australia, on Friday morning local time, which will be Thursday night back in the United States.

Further expanding its broadcast reach, the NFL is reportedly considering adding a Thanksgiving Eve game as early as the 2026 season. This move follows the successful introduction of "Black Friday" games in recent years, as the league explores new opportunities to engage its growing fan base.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.