What Time Does Monday Night Football Start Tonight?

By Emma Wilson · July 22, 2028

Monday Night Football typically starts at 8:15 PM Eastern Time (ET) on ESPN. For viewers in other time zones, this translates to 7:15 PM Central, 6:15 PM Mountain, and 5:15 PM Pacific. Start times may vary slightly due to doubleheaders, special events, or broadcast delays.

What Is Monday Night Football?

Monday Night Football (MNF) is a long-standing NFL tradition that brings a weekly prime-time game to fans every week during the regular season. Broadcast nationally on ESPN, MNF has been a staple of American sports entertainment since 1970.

History and Significance

As one of the first regular primetime sports broadcasts in the U.S., Monday Night Football helped popularize live football beyond Sunday games. It paved the way for expanded NFL television coverage and remains a key part of the league's weekly schedule.

Typical Start Times by Time Zone

The standard kickoff time for Monday Night Football is 8:15 PM ET. However, occasional doubleheader weeks may feature an early game at 7:30 PM ET, especially during the playoffs or holiday periods.

Eastern Time: 8:15 PM
Central Time: 7:15 PM
Mountain Time: 6:15 PM
Pacific Time: 5:15 PM

Factors That Can Affect Kickoff Time

While 8:15 PM ET is standard, several factors can shift the actual start time:

Doubleheaders: In select weeks, ESPN airs two games back-to-back, with the first starting at 7:30 PM ET.
Weather Delays: Severe weather at the stadium may delay kickoff.
Pre-game Ceremonies: Special events like retirements or tributes can extend pre-game coverage.
Broadcast Overruns: If the preceding program runs long, the game may start a few minutes late.
International Games: London-based games aired on MNF may have adjusted broadcast times.

Date	Matchup	Location	Scheduled Kickoff (ET)	Actual Kickoff (ET)	Network
September 9, 2024	Baltimore Ravens vs Kansas City Chiefs	Arrowhead Stadium	8:15 PM	8:17 PM	ESPN
September 16, 2024	Detroit Lions vs Seattle Seahawks	Lumen Field	8:15 PM	8:15 PM	ESPN
October 7, 2024	Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins	Hard Rock Stadium	8:15 PM	8:19 PM	ESPN
October 14, 2024	Philadelphia Eagles vs Washington Commanders	Lincoln Financial Field	8:15 PM	8:16 PM	ESPN
November 4, 2024	San Francisco 49ers vs Arizona Cardinals	State Farm Stadium	8:15 PM	8:15 PM	ESPN

Table data source:ESPN, NFL.com

The table shows consistent adherence to the 8:15 PM ET kickoff time, with only minor deviations due to pre-game ceremonies or broadcast transitions. Most delays are under five minutes, indicating strong scheduling discipline by ESPN and the NFL. International games were excluded as they follow different broadcast windows.

How To Watch Monday Night Football

Monday Night Football is primarily broadcast on ESPN. Fans can watch via cable, satellite, or live TV streaming platforms such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FuboTV, and Sling TV. The game is also available on the ESPN app and ESPN.com with valid login credentials.

Streaming Options

ESPN App: Free with participating provider login.
ESPN+: Does not carry MNF games; separate ESPN subscription required.
Amazon Prime Video: Starting in 2023, selected MNF games are streamed exclusively on Prime in addition to ESPN.
Free Preview: Some providers offer temporary free access during high-profile matchups.

Frequently Asked Questions About Monday Night Football

What time does Monday Night Football start in 2025?

Monday Night Football in 2025 is scheduled to start at 8:15 PM Eastern Time (ET), consistent with recent seasons. Always verify with your local listings as special events may alter the time.

Is Monday Night Football always on ESPN?

Yes, ESPN has held exclusive rights to Monday Night Football since 2006. Some games are also simulcast on ABC or available via Amazon Prime Video under new broadcasting agreements.

Can I stream Monday Night Football for free?

You can stream MNF for free through a trial of a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV. Additionally, the ESPN app offers limited free previews during marquee games.

Why does Monday Night Football sometimes start late?

Delays can occur due to extended pre-game shows, overtime in prior games, technical issues, or live event complications such as weather or field maintenance.

Are there ever two Monday Night Football games?

Yes, during certain weeks—especially late in the season—ESPN may air a doubleheader with an early game at 7:30 PM ET and the main game at 8:15 PM ET. These are more common during Week 18 or playoff qualification periods.