When Does Football Season Start? Global Schedules Explained

By Sarah Miller · September 16, 2034

Football season start dates vary by league and country, but in the U.S., NFL regular season games typically begin in early September, with preseason starting in August. In Europe, most top leagues like the English Premier League kick off in mid-August and run through May.

Understanding Football Season Start Dates Around the World

Football — known as soccer in some countries — has different seasonal calendars depending on the region and competition format. The start of the football season is influenced by climate, tradition, international tournaments, and league structure. Whether you're following American football or association football (soccer), knowing when the season begins helps fans plan viewing schedules and understand player availability.

American Football vs. Soccer: Key Differences

NFL (National Football League): Operates on a fall-to-winter schedule, with training camps in July and preseason games in August.
Premier League (England): Follows a traditional European calendar, starting in August and ending in May.

MLS (Major League Soccer):

UEFA Champions League: Starts in September after national league group stages conclude.

NFL Season Schedule Breakdown

The National Football League dominates the U.S. fall sports scene. Its season is structured into distinct phases:

Phases of the NFL Season

Offseason & Draft: Runs from February to May; includes free agency and the NFL Draft.
Training Camp: Begins in late July; teams prepare for the upcoming season.
Preseason: Three weeks in August featuring exhibition games.
Regular Season: Starts the weekend after Labor Day (early September) and lasts 18 weeks.
Postseason: Playoffs begin in January, culminating in the Super Bowl in early February.

Top Global Football Leagues Start Dates

In Europe and most of the world, football follows an August-to-May cycle to avoid clashing with extreme summer heat and to accommodate winter breaks in colder climates. Here's a detailed look at major leagues' typical start dates.

League	Country	Typical Start Date	Typical End Date	Season Duration	Champion (2023-24)
English Premier League	England	Mid-August	May	~9 months	Manchester City
La Liga	Spain	Mid-August	May	~9 months	Real Madrid
Bundesliga	Germany	End of August	May	~9 months	Bayer Leverkusen
Serie A	Italy	Mid-August	May	~9 months	Inter Milan
Ligue 1	France	Early August	May	~9 months	Paris Saint-Germain
NFL Regular Season	USA	Early September	January (regular season)	~4 months (regular)	Kansas City Chiefs*
MLS Regular Season	USA/Canada	February/March	November/December	~9 months	LA Galaxy

Table data source:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

The data shows that most elite football leagues outside the U.S. operate on a similar annual rhythm, beginning in late summer and concluding in late spring. In contrast, the NFL’s early September kickoff aligns with American cultural traditions like Labor Day, while MLS attempts to bridge both systems with a spring start. European leagues often include a winter break, especially in colder nations like Germany.

Factors Influencing Football Season Start Dates

Several key factors determine when a football season starts:

Climate: Leagues in hot or cold climates adjust schedules to avoid extreme weather.
International Fixtures: FIFA international match windows impact domestic league planning.
Commercial Rights: Broadcasters influence scheduling for optimal viewership.
Player Welfare: Longer seasons increase injury risk, prompting discussions about fixture congestion.
Tournament Overlap: Events like the FIFA World Cup or UEFA Euro can shift domestic calendars.

Frequently Asked Questions About Football Season Start Dates

When does the NFL season start in 2025?

The NFL regular season is scheduled to begin on Thursday, September 4, 2025, with the defending champions hosting the opening game. Preseason games will start in early August 2025.

What time of year does the Premier League start?

The English Premier League typically starts in mid-August each year. For the 2025-26 season, it is expected to begin around August 16, 2025, and conclude in May 2026.

Why does the NFL season start in September?

The NFL season starts in September to align with the end of summer, particularly after Labor Day in the U.S., which marks the unofficial end of summer. This timing maximizes stadium attendance, TV ratings, and advertising revenue during the fall sports season.

Does Major League Soccer follow the European or American sports calendar?

MLS blends elements of both calendars. It starts in late February or early March, aligning with the North American spring sports season, and ends in November, avoiding direct conflict with the NFL and NBA seasons, though its structure resembles European leagues with playoffs afterward.

How long is a typical football season?

A typical European football season lasts about 9 months, from August to May. The NFL regular season runs for approximately 18 weeks (about 4.5 months), with the full season including playoffs extending into February. MLS spans roughly 9 months, from February/March to November/December.