The National Football League (NFL) is known for its carefully orchestrated schedule, designed to maximize viewership and revenue. However, even the best-laid plans can be subject to change. A significant adjustment is on the horizon for the 2026 season, impacting the tradition of a Friday game during Week 1.
For the past two seasons, fans have eagerly anticipated the kickoff weekend, marked by a Friday night game to whet their appetite for the football season ahead. This practice, however, is set to be discontinued, reshaping the opening week experience for both fans and the league.
Hans Schroeder, the NFL's Executive Vice President of Media Distribution, has confirmed that the Friday game will not be part of the Week 1 schedule in 2026. This decision stems from a unique set of circumstances tied to the timing of Labor Day.
The ability to schedule a Friday game in Week 1 for the 2024 and 2025 seasons was contingent on Labor Day falling early in September. This timing provided a window of opportunity to avoid conflicts with high school and college football games, which are typically in full swing by mid-September.
However, the calendar alignment shifts in 2026, placing Labor Day later in the month. This seemingly minor change triggers a legal constraint imposed by the 1961 Sports Broadcasting Act, a piece of legislation designed to protect amateur sports.
The 1961 Sports Broadcasting Act specifically prohibits the NFL from scheduling games on Fridays or Saturdays during the high school and college football season. This law aims to prevent professional football from overshadowing and potentially harming the attendance and viewership of amateur games.
With the NFL season traditionally kicking off around the second weekend of September, high school and college football programs are already well underway by that time. Consequently, scheduling a Friday game in Week 1 of the 2026 season would violate the provisions of the Sports Broadcasting Act.
This scheduling change presents a slight setback to the NFL's growing international ambitions. The league has been actively expanding its global presence, hosting games in various countries to tap into new markets and cultivate a wider fanbase.
In both 2024 and 2025, a game held in São Paulo, Brazil, filled the coveted Friday night slot during opening week. These international games have proven to be lucrative ventures for the NFL, attracting significant investments from broadcasters eager to secure the rights to air them. The Chiefs are playing in the Friday Brazil game this season[/caption]
For instance, NBC Universal and its streaming service, Peacock, reportedly paid a staggering $110 million for the rights to broadcast the 2024 Brazil game. Similarly, YouTube is believed to have spent a comparable amount for the broadcast rights to the 2025 game.
While the Friday night Week 1 game in Brazil may be off the table for 2026, the NFL is likely exploring alternative options to continue its international series. One possibility is shifting the international game to another time slot, such as the 9:30 am ET window, which has become a familiar time for international broadcasts.
The NFL is reportedly considering expanding its international game offerings, potentially featuring a full slate of 17 or 18 games in various international locations. This expansion would further solidify the league's global footprint and create new revenue streams.
Some reports even suggest that if the league were to move to an 18-game regular season, it would coincide with the introduction of a full complement of international games. This would allow the NFL to package and sell the rights to these games as a dedicated international package to a network seeking to reach a global audience.
The move towards a greater international presence is driven by several factors, including the potential for increased revenue, the opportunity to engage with a wider fanbase, and the desire to establish the NFL as a truly global sport.
For fans eager to catch the action of the upcoming 2025 NFL season, there are numerous ways to watch their favorite teams and players. Whether it's through traditional television broadcasts, streaming services, or attending games in person, there are options to suit every fan's preference and budget.
The shift away from the Friday night Week 1 game marks a subtle but significant change in the NFL's scheduling strategy. While the legal constraints imposed by the Sports Broadcasting Act necessitate this adjustment, the league remains committed to expanding its global presence and delivering exciting football action to fans around the world.
Despite the cancellation of the Friday night game in Week 1 of 2026, the NFL is still planning on hosting a Friday game for the 2024 season. The Chiefs are playing in the Friday Brazil game this season[/caption]
This year's Friday game will feature the [Insert Teams] facing off at 8:00 pm ET on September 5. This game is sure to be a thrilling way to kick off the NFL season.
Last year, the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers played in the Friday night game. The Eagles beat the Packers 40-33.
As the NFL continues to evolve, it is crucial to stay informed about these changes and how they might impact your viewing experience. Whether it's scheduling adjustments or new broadcasting deals, being aware of these developments will allow you to fully enjoy the excitement of the NFL season.
The NFL's decision to discontinue the Friday game in Week 1 of 2026 serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between legal regulations, scheduling logistics, and the league's strategic goals. As the NFL navigates these challenges, it remains dedicated to delivering a compelling and engaging product to its global audience.