🏈 Countdown to NFL Season 2026
NFL Season is Thursday, September 10, 2026
When Is NFL Season 2026?
NFL Season 2026 is on Thursday, September 10, 2026. The NFL regular season typically begins in early September and runs through January. It is the most popular professional sports league in the United States, with games drawing millions of viewers each week throughout the fall and winter.
NFL Season Dates for the Next 10 Years
| Year | Date | Day of Week |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Sep 5, 2024 | Thursday |
| 2025 | Sep 4, 2025 | Thursday |
| 2026 | Sep 10, 2026 | Thursday |
| 2027 | Sep 9, 2027 | Thursday |
| 2028 | Sep 7, 2028 | Thursday |
| 2029 | Sep 6, 2029 | Thursday |
| 2030 | Sep 5, 2030 | Thursday |
About NFL Season
The NFL regular season typically begins in early September and runs through January. It is the most popular professional sports league in the United States, with games drawing millions of viewers each week throughout the fall and winter.
History & Origins of NFL Season
The National Football League was founded on September 17, 1920, in Canton, Ohio, as the American Professional Football Association before being renamed the NFL in 1922. The league merged with the rival American Football League in 1970, creating the AFC and NFC conferences. The regular season has expanded over the years from 12 games to the current 17-game format adopted in 2021. The NFL has grown into the most valuable sports league in the world, with annual revenues exceeding $18 billion. The season typically kicks off in early September and culminates with the Super Bowl in February.
Traditions & How to Celebrate NFL Season
- Tailgating before games with grills, drinks, and team-themed food
- Gathering with friends and family for Sunday football watch parties
- Playing fantasy football leagues throughout the season
- Watching Thursday Night Football, Sunday Night Football, and Monday Night Football
- Wearing team jerseys and face paint on game days
- Following the NFL Draft in April to see new player selections
- Participating in pick'em pools and survivor leagues
- Attending live games and experiencing stadium atmosphere
Fun Facts About NFL Season
The NFL is the most profitable sports league in the world, generating over $18 billion annually.
Over 200 million Americans watch NFL games each season.
The Green Bay Packers are the only publicly-owned franchise in major American professional sports.
The NFL regular season expanded from 16 to 17 games starting in 2021.
An estimated 50 million Americans play fantasy football each year.
The Dallas Cowboys are the most valuable NFL franchise, worth over $9 billion.