The NFL schedule release is now the next big stop on the league's offseason calendar, now that the 2026 NFL Draft is officially in the rearview.
When it comes to the NFL schedule release, fans can't wait to see where their favorite team will be every week.
Trips and vacations revolve around those schedules. A difficult start can quickly derail a promising season, while an easier stretch could be misleading. For some teams, the schedule they are dealt might directly lead to a coach losing their job or a rookie making a debut earlier than expected.
Where will Fernando Mendoza and the Las Vegas Raiders begin their season? Which teams are heading overseas? What about the holidays? And what about the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks?
In many ways, the schedule is just the first draft of the story to come and the games will dictate how it evolves over time.
Here's what to know about the NFL schedule release in 2026 and when fans should expect an official announcement.
OT Tytus Howard: Traded to Cleveland Browns (previous team: Houston Texans)
CB Trent McDuffie: Traded to Los Angeles Rams (previous team: Kansas City Chiefs)
RB David Montgomery: Traded to Houston Texans (previous team: Detroit Lions)
WR DJ Moore: Traded to Buffalo Bills (previous team: Chicago Bears)
1 / 42026 NFL offseason tracker: Player signings, tradesOT Tytus Howard: Traded to Cleveland Browns (previous team: Houston Texans)
OT Tytus Howard: Traded to Cleveland Browns (previous team: Houston Texans)
CB Trent McDuffie: Traded to Los Angeles Rams (previous team: Kansas City Chiefs)
RB David Montgomery: Traded to Houston Texans (previous team: Detroit Lions)
WR DJ Moore: Traded to Buffalo Bills (previous team: Chicago Bears)
An exact date has not been announced, but history indicates that it should be expected about May 12-14. Leaks will trickle out in the days ahead, especially with an expanded international slate and some holiday games on the docket.
The league added games in Australia and Paris to the 2026 schedule, as well as a return to Mexico City for the first time since 2022.
There was also the elimination of Monday night doubleheaders, following Disney's acquisition of NFL Network. More games are set for streaming in 2026, along with other changes that will be revealed with the upcoming release.
In other words, the Wednesday night opening game in Seattle might not be the only adjustment fans will need to make this season.
The 2026 NFL regular season will begin on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington. Continuing tradition, the Super Bowl champions will kick off the season as the Seahawks get one last moment in the spotlight before turning the page to 2026.