The NFL has turned the release of its regular-season schedule into one of the biggest events of the offseason. While other leagues quietly drop their calendars, the NFL builds anticipation, creativity, and fanfare around the announcement. The 2026 schedule is expected to arrive soon, and we've gathered everything you need to know to get ready for the big reveal.

Although the league hasn't set an official date, history points to mid-May. In 2025, the schedule dropped on Wednesday, May 14; in 2024, it was Wednesday, May 15; and in 2023, it landed on Thursday, May 11. Mike North, the NFL's vice president of broadcast planning, recently told the "Always Game Day in Buffalo" podcast that the league is targeting either the second or third week of May. "Is there any magic to May 12, 13, 14? No," North said. "Is there any real downside to May 19, 20, or 21? No. I don't think it's coming out in June."

For fans, the schedule release has become more than just a list of dates and opponents. It's a day when teams compete off the field as fiercely as they do on it, producing creative, often hilarious, videos to announce their upcoming slate. These mini-movies have become a beloved tradition, with teams trying to outdo each other year after year. The Los Angeles Chargers have consistently stolen the show, setting the bar high with their inventive campaigns. It's always fun to see which franchise brings the freshest ideas—and which one will claim the crown in 2026.

So mark your calendars for mid-May, keep an eye on your favorite team's social channels, and get ready for the season ahead. The countdown to kickoff starts now.