NFL schedule release date is set for 2026 season

The NFL schedule release finally has a date. After weeks of speculation that the annual unveiling could be delayed beyond its traditional mid-May window, the league confirmed it will unveil the full 2026 regular-season schedule on Thursday, May 14. The complete 18-week, 272-game schedule along with preseason matchups will be revealed during a primetime broadcast event.

Here's what we know about the 2026 NFL schedule release. When is the NFL schedule release date? The NFL will release the 2026 regular-season schedule on Thursday, May 14.

The league did not officially confirm a release date until Friday, creating speculation that the annual event could be pushed back later than usual this year. NFL vide president of broadcast planning Mike North acknowledged that the release could slide into the third week of May as the league finalized media packages and international-game logistics. The NFL traditionally keeps most schedule details secret until the official reveal show, although select games will be announced earlier in the week.

The full list of nine international games will be announced on Wednesday, May 13. The home and away opponents for each team were determined at the conclusion of the 2025 regular season. What day of the week is the NFL schedule announced?