What Time Does Sunday Night Football Start? | 2025 Schedule

By Sarah Miller · June 12, 2038

Sunday Night Football typically starts at 8:20 PM Eastern Time (ET) and airs weekly on NBC during the NFL regular season. This prime-time kickoff time is consistent across most weeks, with occasional adjustments for special events or doubleheader weeks. The game is also streamed live on Peacock, NBCSports.com, and through various NFL apps and platforms.

What Is Sunday Night Football?

Sunday Night Football (SNF) is the National Football League's flagship primetime broadcast, airing weekly on NBC. As one of the most-watched television programs in the U.S., SNF features high-profile matchups selected for their competitive appeal, star power, and playoff implications.

Key Features of SNF

Broadcast exclusively on NBC since 2006
Kicks off at 8:20 PM ET from September to January
Features marquee NFL matchups each week
Hosted by a dedicated commentary team including Al Michaels (historically) and currently Mike Tirico
Includes pre-game show Football Night in America starting at 7:00 PM ET

NFL Broadcast Scheduling Overview

The NFL schedules games across multiple time slots and networks to maximize viewership and regional coverage. Sunday Night Football occupies the final regular Sunday window, allowing flexible matchup selection based on team performance.

Weekly NFL Game Windows

1:00 PM ET: Regional early afternoon games (CBS and FOX)
4:05 PM / 4:25 PM ET: Late afternoon games (CBS and FOX)
8:15 PM ET: Previously used; now standardized to 8:20 PM ET for SNF
Thursday, Monday, and Flexible Scheduling: Additional prime-time slots

Season	Start Time (ET)	Network	Pre-Game Show	Doubleheader Weeks
2021	8:20 PM	NBC	7:00 PM – 8:00 PM	6 weeks
2022	8:20 PM	NBC	7:00 PM – 8:00 PM	6 weeks
2023	8:20 PM	NBC	7:00 PM – 8:00 PM	6 weeks
2024	8:20 PM	NBC	7:00 PM – 8:00 PM	6 weeks
2025	8:20 PM (expected)	NBC (expected)	7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (expected)	6 weeks (projected)

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows consistent scheduling of Sunday Night Football at 8:20 PM ET since 2021, with NBC maintaining a stable broadcast format. Pre-game programming begins at 7:00 PM ET, offering analysis and updates ahead of kickoff. Doubleheader weeks occur when the NFL flexes in additional late games, but SNF remains unaffected.

How Kickoff Times Are Determined

The NFL uses flexible scheduling to ensure compelling matchups are featured in prime time. While early games are set months in advance, SNF matchups can be adjusted up to 12 days before, and sometimes six days out, based on team records and fan interest.

Factors Influencing SNF Matchups

Team win-loss records and playoff contention
National fanbase size (e.g., Cowboys, Packers, Chiefs)
Star quarterbacks (e.g., Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow)
Divisional rivalries (e.g., Steelers vs. Ravens)
Weather considerations for outdoor stadiums

Where to Watch Sunday Night Football

Sunday Night Football is available through multiple platforms:

TV: NBC (over-the-air with antenna or via cable/satellite)
Streaming: Peacock, fuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, NFL+ app
Audio: Westwood One Sports (radio), SiriusXM NFL Channel
Mobile: NFL Mobile app (for carriers with rights)

Note: Peacock requires a Premium subscription to stream live games without local broadcast restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sunday Night Football Start Time

What time does Sunday Night Football start in Central Time?

Sunday Night Football starts at 7:20 PM Central Time (CT), as it airs at 8:20 PM Eastern Time. The game is broadcast simultaneously nationwide.

Does Sunday Night Football always start at 8:20 PM ET?

Yes, since 2021, the kickoff has been standardized at 8:20 PM ET. Prior seasons occasionally used 8:15 PM ET, but 8:20 PM is now the norm.

Can the Sunday Night Football start time change during the season?

Rarely. The NFL may adjust start times due to extreme weather, stadium conflicts, or major national events, but such changes are uncommon and announced well in advance.

What time does the Sunday Night Football pre-show start?

The pre-game show, Football Night in America, begins at 7:00 PM ET on NBC, featuring analysis, injury reports, and predictions before the 8:20 PM kickoff.

Is every Sunday Night Football game at the same time?

Yes, all regular-season Sunday Night Football games kick off at 8:20 PM ET. Playoff games following the same broadcast pattern also maintain this time slot.